Hollywood is rallying around the family of James Van Der Beek after criticism surfaced online about a GoFundMe created following the actor’s death.
The “Dawson’s Creek” alum died Feb. 11, 2026, at age 48 after battling stage III colorectal cancer.
In a statement shared on social media, his family said he “met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” asking for privacy as they grieve.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife of nearly 16 years, Kimberly, and their six children.
Shortly after his passing, friends launched a GoFundMe to help with financial strain tied to medical care and family expenses.
The fundraiser quickly gained support — including a reported $25,000 donation from filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw — and has since raised more than $2.6 million.
But not everyone was supportive. Some critics questioned why a well-known actor’s family would need help.
Celebrities Push Back on Online Criticism
Several stars spoke up to defend the fundraiser and Van Der Beek’s widow.
Broadway actress Donna Vivino posted a detailed response on Instagram, sharing what she called “FACTS” about the family’s situation.
She wrote that the family rented their farm and that Van Der Beek was not living off residuals, referencing his previous comments about a “bad contract” that limited his earnings from “Dawson’s Creek.”
Vivino also emphasized the cost of cancer treatment, writing that it can be “effin expensive even WITH insurance,” and urged people to show compassion.
Reality TV personality Braunwyn Windham-Burke echoed that sentiment, sharing her own family’s experience with medical debt during her father’s illness.
Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox called the backlash “shameful,” while actress Hassie Harrison offered condolences and support.
Why the Fundraiser Meant So Much
Friends behind the GoFundMe said donations were meant to help with mounting costs and to support Kimberly and the couple’s six children during a difficult transition.
In an update to donors, organizers wrote, “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family. Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words.”
Before his death, Van Der Beek had spoken openly about financial pressures during his illness and even sold memorabilia from his career to raise money for families dealing with cancer.
For many supporters, the fundraiser wasn’t about celebrity — it was about community.
As tributes continue to pour in, one message has been consistent across Hollywood: grief is heavy enough, and compassion should come first.
People need to shut the hell up. People can do with their money as they please.