Is Pee-wee Herman Hollywood's Next Comeback Kid?

Actor Paul Reubens is reintroducing Pee-wee -- his alter ego and 1980s cult character. (AP)

Pee-wee Herman (aka Paul Reubens) is one of those pop culture figures who has gone through every up and down that fame can bring - and then inflict on - you.

In 1985, Reubens had one of the year's smash comedies with the now-classic movie "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," grossing over $40 million on a $6 million budget.

Then on July 26, 1991, he was busted in Sarasota, Fla., for masturbating in an adult theater.

Oops.

Pee-wee was no longer deemed suitable entertainment for children. CBS stopped airing the kids' show "Pee-wee's Playhouse," and Toys "R" Us removed Pee-wee toys from its stores.

For years, Reubens didn't work in Hollywood.

But now, Pee-wee may be poised for a comeback. He is currently high on the hog at Sturgis -- the world's biggest motorcycle rally, where he is re-introducing his Pee-wee character, and a Broadway run of the "The Pee-wee Herman Show" begins Oct. 26, based in part on "Pee-wee's Playhouse," the Associated Press reports.

SODEAHEAD SLIDESHOW: The greatest celebrity career comebacks.

Pee-wee said he never intended to be a children's entertainer anyway -- he toned down his original stage act geared toward adults -- so this might finally be his chance to make it as a grown-up star. Or is Reubens just another '80s has-been trying desperately for a comeback?

As Pee-wee might say, "I know you are, but what am I?"

So what do you think - can Pee-wee Herman make a comeback?