Many Mourned James Van Der Beek’s Death. Then They Turned On the GoFundMe For His Family
2026 has been dealing some heavy blows so far in terms of celebrity losses. Last week, Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek passed away at 48. While the cause of death was not officially released, Van Der Beek was officially diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, publicly announcing it the following year.
This year has been an unrelenting reminder of our own mortality. For many, Van Der Beek was an actor we grew up with. We all know the Dawson’s Creek theme song, regardless if we watched it or not. Even with the public diagnosis of his illness, his passing still hit hard. He also leaves behind a wife and six kids.
Within a day of his death, his family launched a GoFundMe, which has since raised over $2.6 million and counting from donors worldwide, including notable names like Stephen Spielberg and Jon M. Chu.
“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” the GoFundMe stated. “They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”
Pretty par for the course, especially because Van Der Beek received no residuals for starring in one of the most iconic coming-of-age teen dramas and was not paid much to begin with. He even had to sell off personal memorabilia to help cover the costs of his cancer treatment.
Though Van Der Beek stated that he was looking for the right moment to auction off the items–which included a tartan button-up shirt he wore in the first episode of Dawson’s Creek–it puts into stark relief the problems with our healthcare in this country.
From GoFundMe to NoFundMe
A GoFundMe is nearly a normal occurrence now after a lengthy illness coupled with medical debt. With six kids, I don’t blame his wife for reaching out for assistance. But, as it is the internet and everybody is miserable, the warm fuzzies from the GoFundMe didn’t last long.
Weeks before his death, Van Der Beek put a down payment on a mortgage for the $4.7 million ranch in Texas that his family had been renting since 2020. Reportedly, the money for the mortgage came from friends who had been helping the Van Der Beeks.
Once the news of that $4.76 million purchase broke, those online were quick to criticize. Some have even called the GoFundMe a grift. While it really isn’t surprising that people are complaining (water is wet, etc.), it’s more than a little tasteless that this is what they’re complaining about. But, really, it is to be expected. The illusion of anonymity of the internet has made people far too bold.
No one should ever have to sell off anything to help pay for medical debt. Why should his widow sell off their home? Because that’s clearly what they’re getting at. And it’s baffling that this is the prevalent mindset people have online anymore. They already have to say goodbye to a husband and a father; they should have one less thing to worry about.
Van Der Beek was a beloved actor. Just because the industry did him wrong in life doesn’t mean that we should do him wrong in death. Donating so his family can pay off medical debt and continue to live in their home, which undoubtedly has wonderful memories for all of them, just seems like the human thing to do regardless of if you were a fan or not. It isn’t about wanting it, or deserving it. It’s about helping out those in need so that they don’t have to continue to make painful choices.
A heartwarming update
Thankfully, things aren’t all bad. On February 12, the day after the GoFundMe launched, an update was posted.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,” the update read. “Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.”
(Featured imge: Michael Tullberg/Getty Images)
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