By Alexander Tresniowski/Reported by Wendy Cole/New York

There he was, a bit plumper perhaps, and maybe a tad less jumpy, but still gloriously goofy, Pee-wee Herman! Making his first public appearance since his July arrest for masturbating in a movie theater, Pee-wee was the surprise opening act at last week's televised MTV awards in Los Angeles. The audience gave him a long, exuberant standing ovation, a touching tribute to his indefatigable immaturity. "Heard any good jokes lately?" asked Pee-wee. Then, alluding to the all-too-easy jokes that have been made at his expense, he answered with a signature line: "So funny I forgot to laugh!"