By Isabella Torregiani
3:15pm PST, Feb 18, 2026
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James Van Der Beek, star of
Dawson's Creek, passed away at 48 on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer.
That same day, his friends launched a GoFundMe for his wife,
Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children, citing medical costs that left the family "out of funds."
In less than 24 hours, the GoFundMe account raised more than $1 million.
Contributors included Hollywood stars such as
Steven Spielberg and his wife,
Kate Capshaw, who donated $25,000,
Wicked director
Jon M. Chu, who gave $10,000, and
Avatar star
Zoe Saldaña, who pledged $2,500 monthly.
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While some fans rushed to contribute, others questioned the appropriateness of donating to a celebrity's family.
Criticism continued following reports that
James Van Der Beek purchased a $4.8 million Texas home shortly before he died.
"This doesn't sit right with me. Not at all," one person wrote on Threads.
"Sure, I get it. But thousands of people around the world face this exact situation every day and deal with the struggle. They don't get $2.5 million. It's just weird. He had to have had life insurance … and residual checks," the critic added.
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Mehcad Brooks, who starred on Law & Order and Supergirl, fired back at the post, writing, "I am one of the Van Der Beeks' closet friends and the headlines are fake … you have no idea [what] you're talking about."
"You have no idea the pain they went through," he continued. "It's ok to [shut up] when you can't know what the f*** you're talking about. It's ok not to try to seek attention off of other people's suffering or the generosity in response to it. Because James touched them for decades. It's ok for you to stay quiet in the face of blind stupidity, meanness and lack of empathy. But maybe you're not okay."
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Mehcad Brooks isn't the only friend defending
James Van Der Beek's family.
Broadway actress
Donna Vivino took to
Instagram to support his widow and the GoFundMe.
"For those attacking
James Van Der Beek's wife for having a [GoFundMe] may I give you some FACTS," the
Wicked alum wrote. "1. They do not OWN the farm they live on, they were renting 2. He was not living off residuals."
Before he died, the beloved actor revealed he hadn't received income from
Dawson's Creek residuals because of a "bad contract." He also sold memorabilia from his career to raise funds for families affected by cancer, including his own.
Yellowstone actress
Hassie Harrison also shared her sympathies, writing, "Heartbreaking that you even needed to make this post. How can people be so rotten."
