The Alaska native was part of the comedy improv troupe at the Groundlings Theater in Los Angeles.
“Lost someone that meant the world to me and was such a huge part of ‘Elvira’ and my life that it’s impossible to express how sad I feel,” Peterson tweeted Friday.
Paragon helped write some of Pee-wee Herman’s first stage performances, back when the character was developed for a midnight show at the Groundlings.
Paragon played along in the deceptively DIY production, doing things like donning black gloves to covertly push open the spring-loaded doors of Jambi’s genie box.
Paragon also had a long creative partnership with Peterson, playing an integral role in the creation of her signature character, Elvira.
Paragon’s other on-screen appearances included a role as “Seinfeld’s” Cedric, one-half of a couple who often gives Kramer grief.
She first joined the paper as an intern at the Data Desk, where she updated a widely-used newsroom tool and published a visual analysis of NYRB book covers.