Robin Williams Did Not Have Money Problems, Says Rep

Robin Williams’ long-time publicist has shot down rumours that the star was experiencing financial problems before his death.

Mara Buxbaum also refuted talk that such issues may have contributed to his state of mind, or his decision to take his own life.

“Robin had no financial problems,” she told The Wrap. “We should be blessed to have Robin’s financial status.

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“I understand the desire to understand the ‘Why’. It’s not going to happen. The better thing to do is to try to understand severe depression. That isn’t going to be answered, and you can speculate all you want.”

The rumours likely stemmed from an interview Williams did in Parade magazine last year, around his decision to return to TV, in the ultimately cancelled comedy series ‘The Crazy Ones’.

“The idea of having a steady job is appealing. I have two [other] choices: go on the road doing stand-up, or do small, independent movies working almost for scale [minimum union pay],” he said.

“The movies are good, but a lot of times they don’t even have distribution. There are bills to pay.”

“My life has downsized, in a good way,” he continued. “I’m selling the ranch up in Napa. I just can’t afford it anymore.”

But Buxbaum suggested throw away comments were being taken too literally.

“Robin often said things in jest, and sometimes it just doesn’t translate in print. There were plenty of times over the years that Robin was offered to do TV,” she went on.

“Robin wanted to do ‘The Crazy Ones’ because of (show creator) David Kelley and the material. That’s why he took the show… not because he needed the money.”

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Williams also often joked about how his two divorces had been extremely expensive.

“Divorce is expensive. I used to joke they were going to call it ‘all the money,’ but they changed it to ‘alimony’,” he told Parade.

“It’s ripping your heart out through your wallet. Are things good with my exes? Yes. But do I need that lifestyle? No.”

According to Forbes, Williams wealth was in the region of $50 million.

As for what the comedy legend left behind, Buxbaum said: “We will not comment on specifics other than to say Robin’s family is amply taken care of.”

Photo credits: Euronews/CBS