When it comes to favorite childhood memories, many adults will fondly remember Saturday mornings spent at Pee-wee's Playhouse, starring Paul Reubens as Pee-wee Herman.
Just saying the words "Mekka Lekka Hi Mekka Hiney Ho" brings a smile to most people's faces.
Now, Pee-wee is back in a brand-new movie, Pee-wee's Big Holiday, which will air exclusively on Netflix on March 18. And one of Pee-wee's co-stars in that film is actress Jessica Pohly, who plays a tough-as-nails character who doesn't mess around.
We spoke with Pohly about her role in Pee-wee's Big Holiday, as well as what it was to like to work with Paul Reubens.
Could you describe the character you play in Pee-wee's Big Holiday?
I play a character named Pepper, and she is the head of an all-girl gang of bank robbers.
How did you get the role?
Good old-fashioned auditioning: I went in - I got the appointment - I went in and I auditioned and I got called back, and got a callback from the callback, and it was a series of auditions.
What was it like working with Paul Reubens?
It was amazing and a little bit surreal because I grew up watching him with his TV show and also, all the feature films. So it was just such an absolute pleasure and a privilege.
Do you have any funny stories or anecdotes about working on the movie?
The first thing that comes to mind is regarding something that is sort of a secret right now, so I can't tell you that. But there are a couple of really fun surprises in the movie.
Every day was funny. He made me laugh out loud - like belly laughs - every single day on set. He's just an amazing comedic talent.
Do you have a favorite scene or moment from the film?
Honestly, I think I love every single scene that we shot. The script, which was written by Paul Reubens and also Paul Rust, is just hilariously funny. When I sat down with it the first time, I had several laugh out loud moments. So I can't even say that one of my scenes, or any scene of the movie, is my favorite. It's just fantastic: I think people are really going to love it.
What was it like working with Netflix?
It's really exciting because they just went global, so it's really wonderful to be part of that sort of world community of entertainment where people in so many different countries will be able to watch this movie. And Netflix, in general, has been wonderful to work with, and it's just a really exciting time to be a part of that.
