James Van Der Beek's friend lashes out at those 'attacking his wife' over fundraiser account

A friend of the late James Van Der Beek's has lashed out at those who have criticised his family over a fundraiser account set up in his name following his death aged 45.

Broadway star Donna Vivino led the charge against those who questioned the GoFundMe page, which has so far raised $2.6million for his wife and six children after crippling treatment debt left them "out of funds".

Taking to Instagram, Vivino wrote a post titled: "Not everything is what it looks like online. A little context goes a long way."

The post started with a sign that read: "For those attacking James Van Der Beek's wife for having a Go Fund Me, may I give you some FACTS."

She started by explaining what his representative had told followers earlier this week; that the Texas farm they lived on was a rented property, not owned.

It was later confirmed on Monday that Van Der Beek actually officially purchased the sprawling property for a whopping $US4.76 million ($6.7 million) on January 9.

Some queried why more financial help was needed from the fundraiser, given Van Der Beek's successful acting career and multimillion-dollar home purchase.

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His representative was forced to defend the move, clarifying to People: "James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage."

Vivino continued saying that while he was a successful actor, he didn't get as much money as you might expect later in his career. 

"He was not living off residuals. Let me give you some residual context: Van Der Beek has stated regarding Dawson's Creek that it was a 'bad contract' and he saw 'almost nothing' in terms of residuals," she said.

"Streaming impact: Reports suggest that for many older shows, streaming networks have eliminated or significantly reduced the royalties and residuals actors traditionally received."

In 2012, James also explained that "there was no residual money" from the hit show. "I was 20. It was a bad contract," he told Today. "I saw almost nothing from that."

Vivino added: "Due to lacking substantial long-term residuals from his major roles, Van Der Bek has been in a position where he needed to auction off memorabilia from his career, including items from Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues to support himself and his family."

She concluded by saying: "Cancer treatment is effin expensive even WITH insurance."

The post received a huge amount of applause online, with country star Hassie Harrison commenting: "Heartbreaking that you even needed to make this post. How can people be so rotten."

"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," another follower emphasised.

The fundraiser was launched at the same time Van Der Beek's death was announced.

It was shared on the Instagram Story of accounts belonging to both James and Kimberly.

"James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him," the fundraiser reads.

"After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.

"In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. 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."

The statement concluded: "The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead. Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education.

"Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them."

Much of the fundraiser has come from the general public, while the late actor's celebrity pals have also kicked in.

Among them, actress Zoe Saldana, who was recently named the highest-grossing film actor of all time, with her movies generating more than $21 billion at the global box office.

She has reportedly chipped in a monthly stipend of AU$3525.

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Other big donations have come from film director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw, (AU$35,000), US filmmaker Jonathan Chu (AU$14,000); Danielle Marquez Levinson, who is the wife of Hollywood producer Steve Levinson, (AU$14,000); fashion designer Tracy Robbins; and talent agent Kevin Huvane, who both donated AU$7000.

Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, which he had been battling privately.

He became an advocate for earlier detection of colorectal cancer and in his final months, worked to raise funds for charity F Cancer and himself, after his own treatment drained his bank account.

He announced in 2024 he would sell items to support his family and others battling cancer.

"100 per cent of my net proceeds will go to families recovering from the financial burden of cancer (including my own 😇)," he wrote.

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