Several celebrities came to the defense of James Van Der Beek’s family after a GoFundMe was created on their behalf following the actor’s death.
Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at age 48, after a battle with stage III colorectal cancer.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” a social media statement read. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
The Dawson’s Creek alum is survived by his wife of nearly 16 years, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. After news broke of James’ death, a group of the family’s friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to aid in the “significant financial strain” James and Kimberly endured amid his cancer treatment.
James Van Der Beek’s Friend Details His Family’s ‘Urgent Need’ for Money
Some fans and several A-listers supported the cause including a generous $25,000 donation from Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw. The fundraiser has since raised more than $2 million since its creation.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,” read an update from the GoFundMe organizer. “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.”
While some fans have publicly supported the GoFundMe, others have questioned the family’s need as James achieved Hollywood success. (Prior to his death, James revealed he did not receive income from Dawson’s Creek residuals due to a “bad contract.” The actor also sold memorabilia from his career to raise money for families struggling with cancer, including his own.)
Keep scrolling to see which stars have supported the Van Der Beek family’s GoFundMe:
Donna Vivino
Broadway actress Donna Vivino took to Instagram to defend James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and the family’s GoFundMe.
“For those attacking James Van Der Beek’s wife for having a [GoFundMe] may I give you some FACTS,” the Wicked alum wrote on February 13. “1. They do not OWN the farm they live on, they were renting 2. He was not living off residuals.”
Vivino highlighted James’ previous remarks about his lack of residuals and how he sold memorabilia to raise money for cancer patients. She also noted, “cancer treatment is effin expensive even WITH insurance.”
“Not everything is what it looks like online. A little context goes a long way,” she shared.
Braunwyn Windham-Burke
Braunwyn Windham-Burke replied to Donna Vivino’s social media post detailing her experience with having to pay for medical treatment.
“Our family is drowning in medical debt because of my dad’s cancer, my parents saved, worked hard and had a great retirement … all gone,” the Real Housewives of Orange County alum wrote.
Deborah Cox
Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox responded “this industry is shameful” on Donna Vivino’s Instagram post.
Hassie Harrison
Hassie Harrison expressed her sympathies for the Van Der Beek family after social media users questioned the need for a GoFundMe.
“Heartbreaking that you even needed to make this post. How can people be so rotten,” the Yellowstone actress replied to Donna Vivino.
Michelle Stafford
Michelle Stafford also shared how her family was impacted by medical bills.
“At the end of my father’s treatment before he died. And he had very good insurance I add … a certain medication that his insurance would not pay for was $3000 a month,” the Young and the Restless actress replied to the post. “People who made disparaging comments, just don’t know.”
Tanisha Thomas
Bad Girls Club alum Tanisha Thomas replied, “Smh such a shame they didn’t take care of him he was such a Gem 💔💔 They deserve whatever the Lord blesses them with and That he will🙏🏽.”
