A number of celebrities got here to the protection of James Van Der Beek’s household after a GoFundMe was created on their behalf following the actor’s loss of life.
Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at age 48, after a battle with stage III colorectal most cancers.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek handed peacefully this morning. He met his last days with braveness, religion and charm,” a social media assertion learn. “There may be a lot to share relating to his needs, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. These days will come. For now we ask for peaceable privateness as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and good friend.”
The Dawson’s Creek alum is survived by his spouse of practically 16 years, Kimberly Van Der Beekand their six youngsters. After information broke of James’ loss of life, a gaggle of the household’s mates launched a GoFundMe marketing campaign to help within the “vital monetary pressure” James and Kimberly endured amid his most cancers therapy.
James Van Der Beek‘s shut good friend is describing his household’s “pressing” want for cash after his loss of life. “I’m simply so joyful and grateful that so many individuals really feel moved of their hearts the way in which that these of us shut really feel,” designer Erin Fetherston informed ExtraTV on Thursday, February 12, because the actor’s household raised extra (…)
Some followers and several other A-listers supported the trigger together with a beneficiant $25,000 donation from Steven Spielberg and his spouse, Kate Capshaw. The fundraiser has since raised greater than $2 million since its creation.
“Thanks from the underside of our hearts for displaying up for James and his lovely household,” learn an replace from the GoFundMe organizer. “Your kindness has meant greater than we are able to put into phrases. In the midst of deep grief, your help has been a lightweight. It reminds us that love is actual, that group is robust, and that James’s spirit continues to deliver folks collectively.”
Whereas some followers have publicly supported the GoFundMe, others have questioned the household’s want as James achieved Hollywood success. (Previous to his loss of life, James revealed he didn’t obtain revenue from Dawson’s Creek residuals as a consequence of a “unhealthy contract.” The actor additionally bought memorabilia from his profession to boost cash for households fighting most cancers, together with his personal.)
Maintain scrolling to see which stars have supported the Van Der Beek household’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 household’s GoFundMe.
“For these attacking James Van Der Beek’s spouse for having a (GoFundMe) could I offer you some FACTS,” the Depraved alum wrote on February 13. “1. They don’t OWN the farm they dwell on, they had been renting 2. He was not residing off residuals.”
Vivino highlighted James’ earlier remarks about his lack of residuals and the way he bought memorabilia to boost cash for most cancers sufferers. She additionally famous, “most cancers therapy is effin costly even WITH insurance coverage.”
“Not every little thing is what it appears to be like like on-line. Somewhat context goes a great distance,” she shared.
Braunwyn Windham-Burke
Braunwyn Windham-Burke replied to Donna Vivino’s social media publish detailing her expertise with having to pay for medical therapy.
“Our household is drowning in medical debt due to my dad’s most cancers, my dad and mom saved, labored exhausting and had an excellent retirement … all gone,” the Actual Housewives of Orange County alum wrote.
Deborah Cox
Grammy-nominated singer Deborah Cox responded “this trade is shameful” on Donna Vivino’s Instagram publish.
Hassie Harrison
Hassie Harrison expressed her sympathies for the Van Der Beek household after social media customers questioned the necessity for a GoFundMe.
“Heartbreaking that you just even wanted to make this publish. How can folks be so rotten,” the Yellowstone actress replied to Donna Vivino.
Michelle Stafford
Michelle Stafford additionally shared how her household was impacted by medical payments.
“On the finish of my father’s therapy earlier than he died. And he had excellent insurance coverage I add … a sure remedy that his insurance coverage wouldn’t pay for was $3000 a month,” the Younger and the Stressed actress replied to the publish. “Individuals who made disparaging feedback, simply don’t know.”
Tanisha Thomas
Unhealthy Women Membership alum Tanisha Thomas replied, “Smh such a disgrace they didn’t handle him he was such a Gem 💔💔 They deserve regardless of the Lord blesses them with and That he’ll🙏🏽.”