Old School. Biblically Independent.
By Dustin Rowles | Celebrity | February 17, 2026
Beloved actor James Van Der Beek passed away last week, which came as a huge blow to the Hollywood community, fans who grew up with him, and the many around his age who suddenly feel a little more mortal. The biggest blow, however, came to Van Der Beek’s family: He left behind a wife and six kids.
Within a day of his death, his family launched a GoFundMe, which has raised over $2.6 million so far to “help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.” That tracked, given what we know: Van Der Beek received shockingly little in residuals from Dawson’s Creek, and as recently as late last year, he had to auction off personal memorabilia to help cover the costs of his cancer treatment.
Up to that point, it was a heartwarming story about a beloved actor and an adoring fanbase, including industry professionals, coming together to support his family. But this is the Internet in 2026, and nothing stays uncomplicated for long.
That’s because people learned that, only weeks before his death, Van Der Beek put a down payment on a mortgage for the $4.7 million ranch his family had been renting. The down payment reportedly came from friends who helped convert the rental into a purchase.
Cue the outrage over the family raising $2.6 million on GoFundMe while living on 36 acres in a multimillion-dollar home. I’ve seen more than a few people call it a “grift,” as though the family conspired to exploit the death of a husband and father for personal enrichment. My guess is that 99 percent of the loudest critics never contributed a dime.
Obviously, anyone can complain about anything. That’s more or less the Internet’s primary function. Should the 50,000 donors (and counting) feel ripped off because they gave money to a family whose widow chose not to sell their home to cover living expenses?
I don’t see it that way. I’d think of the donation less as a bailout and more as an expression of appreciation for a beloved actor who died too soon. Does James Van Der Beek’s family deserve $2.6 million on top of a home with what is likely a substantial mortgage? Does anyone deserve that? Maybe that’s the wrong framing. If his legacy can help provide stability for his wife and children for years to come, I’m OK with that. But to each their own. But I’d also be willing to contribute a few dollars myself if it would allow me to exorcise the Dawson’s Creek theme song that’s been stuck in my head since we found out Van Der Beek passed.
