James Van Der Beek's Death Sparks Criticism Of Sony Pictures Over Actor's Financial Struggles Amid Cancer Battle

Actor James Van Der Beek's death has led to criticism of Sony Pictures, after it was revealed that he had to sell his "Dawson's Creek" memorabilia to help pay for his treatment while he battled colorectal cancer.

Fans and critics have since taken to social media to slam the entertainment company, which owns the beloved show, for seemingly not financially assisting the actor while he was alive and dealing with the deadly disease.

James Van Der Beek's friends have also set up a GoFundMe for the actor's family as his cancer battle has left his wife and kids "out of funds."

Shortly after Van Der Beek's death was announced on Wednesday, his close circle swiftly set up a GoFundMe to assist his wife and six kids.

The GoFundMe page highlighted that the cost of the late actor's cancer treatment had "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 support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead," the page read.

It further noted that all donations "will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives."

Prior to his death, Van Der Beek had been quite open about the financial strain of his cancer battle on him and his family.

In November last year, the actor had to sell memorabilia from his widely beloved show, "Dawson's Creek," to help raise money. As reported by The Blast, Van Der Beek, at the time, partnered with Propstore for its Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction.

Among the top items that were up for auction was the necklace his character, Dawson Leery, gave to Joey for prom and his iconic Flannel shirt.

Following the news of Van Der Beek's death, and the creation of a GoFundMe page for his family, several infuriated netizens took to social media to call out the company for not assisting Van Der Beek during his battle with cancer, considering how widely popular the show was.

A viral X post from journalist, Yashar Ali, with four million views, read, "There was absolutely no reason Sony Pictures (which owns Dawson's Creek) couldn't have quietly paid for his treatment, considering how much the show has made for them over the years, long after it ended."

The journalist added, "Now his wife, Kimberly, is a widow with six children. I realize she may be better off than some, but it's still a pretty awful situation given how much money the show generated."

Another critic on X wrote, "The fact that studios make billions while the stars that make these shows are regularly so destitute that they pawn their life away is eternally depressing."

One more person commented, "F-ck @Sony for not even offering to help James Van Der Beek during his time of need. Disgusting that he had to sell memorabilia towards the end."

Van Der Beek once described his cancer diagnosis as the "best thing that ever happened" to him, saying it ultimately transformed his perspective on life.

In what would become one of his final interviews, filmed two months before his death at 48, the former "Dawson's Creek" star spoke candidly with "Today" show host Craig Melvin about how the illness reshaped him from within.

After being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023, Van Der Beek said he experienced a profound internal shift.

He recalled hearing "a little voice in [his] head" that the diagnosis, though devastating, would push him to make changes he might never have made otherwise, changes he believed would bring deeper health and happiness.

The actor admitted he hadn't truly understood the importance of slowing down before his diagnosis. He became more intentional about his daily habits, paying closer attention to his nutrition and overall well-being. More significantly, he said the experience sparked a journey toward self-acceptance and self-love.

Van Der Beek reflected that, in the past, life's beautiful moments often blended together in a blur.

Cancer, he explained, taught him how to fully immerse himself in the present. "So presence is really the gift that cancer's given me," he shared.

At the time of the interview, he said he was feeling stronger and "better than [he] did a couple months ago," though he acknowledged the road had been longer and more demanding than he anticipated.

"It's required more of me — more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had," Van Der Beek admitted.

In the weeks leading up to his passing, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, had shared hopeful updates, describing him as recovering and "bouncing back." He had looked ahead to a winter focused on rest and healing, with plans to set new resolutions in the spring.

On Wednesday, Kimberly Van Der Beek announced that her husband had died peacefully.

In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, she wrote: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time."

She continued, "Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Van Der Beek leaves behind Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.

Following the news, fellow actors and friends paid tribute. Sarah Michelle Gellar expressed heartbreak for his family, calling his death a loss not only for them but for the world.

Chad Michael Murray also shared condolences, writing: "James was a giant. We're so so so sorry for what you're going through. His words, art, and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you, guys."