How do you feel about multi-millionaires passing out the hat?

[unicorn]

It hasn't been that long since I posted a string about a GoFundMe page for, I believe it was Mickey Rourke, which had me going "Hmmmm...". At least in this case Mickey Rourke called BS on that (he wasn't the one who set up or OK'd the GoFundMe page), and made sure all monies were returned. I was saddened to hear about the early passing of James van der Beek at the age of 48 with colon cancer. (Public health reminder: the USPSTF strongly [A-level recommendation] advises colon cancer screening starting age 45. Colon cancer screening is by far the most effective cancer screening we have) I was surprised to read, however, that his wife is now claiming poverty, although the man was valued in the millions. She claims that his cancer treatment sent them to poverty. Are we to believe that this man broke the law to avoid health insurance? Proof of health insurance is required when filing income taxes in the US, and one gets find the equivalent of what one would pay for basic coverage if one doesn't at least have that. And no life insurance, either? He had no accountant or financial advisor? And I believe SAG/AFTRA membership comes with pretty good health insurance. I asked AI about his earnings, and he didn't seem impoverished to me. Yet his GoFundMe page has amassed well over a million dollars, and climbing. I suspect the wife may be a scamster. I wonder what the decedent would have thought of this. 

AI Overview

James Van Der Beek’s career earnings and net worth estimates fluctuated, with reports in late 2024 to early 2026 placing his fortune between $3 million and $15 million, driven by acting, producing, and, earlier, a lucrative divorce settlement. Despite his fame, he noted limited, if any, residuals from his breakthrough role in Dawson’s Creek due to a poor contract, forcing reliance on subsequent roles. 

Key Earnings and Financial Insights:

• Net Worth Fluctuations: While some sources estimated his net worth at $8 million to $15 million in 2024-2026, others, such as Celebrity Net Worth, placed it closer to $3 million–$6 million.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-van-der-beeks-family

[caeron]

 

I am very dubious about the websites that supposedly report individual's wealth, since they seem to just pull these numbers out of the air.  It could well be that he wasn't that well off.  Look at his career, it was mostly bit parts and small films. I doubt residuals from Dawson's Creek were that significant.

That said, I wouldn't personally give.  Like you, I figure they've got other options. The charities I give to like Doctors without Borders are for people who don't.

[Pete1111]

It is a head scratcher how they ran out of money, when looking at their real estate portfolio.   But I'm a conservative person that doesn't speculate.

I remember when my dad had cancer, Mom mentioned how expensive it was, and that she was lucky his medical insurance covered most of it.  That was many years ago.

Perhaps in Van Der Beek's case the insurance denied claims.  The news coverage indicates there were insurance battles.  That seems to be a sign of the times in health care. 

Since they had 6 children, the goFundMe money will come in handy.

In many respects Van der Beek was known as a good guy, and an ally.  

I tend to believe the financial challenge is real.

 

 

[PeterRS]

I had never heard of the actor until news of his passing this morning. I have quite a bit more sympathy than @unicorn. First the GoFundMe page was set up by friends, not his widow, although she has indeed stated the funds will be needed. @unicorn states checking for colorectal cancer at age 45 is recommended. But he was only 48 and therefore in his 46th year when diagnosed. I think many of us skip health checks by a year or two from time to time. Blaming him or his wife for not strictly adhering to recommendations is I think massively unfair!

Plus I have absolutely no idea how his cancer treatment was paid for. The cancer was diagnosed 2 1/2 years ago. I imagine treatment throughout that time in the US medical system would have been extremely costly. Plus all his children are still young - 15, 13, 12, 9, 7 and 4. The thought of educating all of them through to university graduation levels in the United States must be horrendous and will require millions. For private non-profit universities with room & board added to education costs for four years, the amount can easily reach $260,000! But that is today's costs. How much will it be for the three youngest children when they reach college age?

Maybe the family does have quite a large nest egg and we canot depend on anyone to tell us apart from his financial advisor - everything else is pure speculation. But imagine merely paying living expenses for such a large family and even these are not going to last very many years!