LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Legendary actor-comedian Paul Reubens died on Sunday, July 30, after fighting cancer disease secretly, announced his official Instagram account post. He was widely known as ‘Pee-Wee Herman' from his hit 1980s children's TV show. The statement released over his social media read, "Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer and producer whose beloved character 'Pee-wee Herman' delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness."

It then mentioned his fight with the deadly disease for years. "Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit."

Why did Paul Reubens feel indebted to Debi Mazar?

After pleading guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possessing obscene material in Los Angeles, Paul Reubens was given three years of probation. This was the time when he struggled and went into depression. He later credited his partner actress, Debi Mazar, for helping him in recovering from that dark phase. The ‘Goodfellas’ star was with him for six years and even got engaged in 1994.

Reubens’s Los Angeles-based representative Kelly Bush said the alleged improper images were from his “extensive historical art photography collection.” In the settlement, Reubens agreed to plead guilty to misdemeanor possession of an obscene image “with the intent to exhibit his collection,” said Bush. He was fined $100 and agreed to be registered as a sex offender, according to Associated Press. “We view both of these counts equally in terms of the serious nature of child pornography,” said Eric Moses, a spokesman for the city attorney’s office, told the outlet, reports People.

'Career derailed by child pornography accusation'

Meanwhile, Reubens said, “I am glad the prosecutors finally dismissed the child pornography charge without me or the taxpayers having to pay for a costly circus-like trial. I am disappointed any part of my art collection was ever deemed inappropriate. Taking responsibility by calling a few images in this collection ‘obscene’ and paying a $100 fine seemed like the sanest way to make it end.”

The 70-year-old made a personal statement on his decision to not share his battle with cancer publicly, “Please accept my apology for not going public with what I’ve been facing the last six years. I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you.”