Alyssa Milano Defends GoFundMes for James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane

The actress argued most actors lack long-term wealth and the industry's changes have worsened financial instability.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Alyssa Milano is speaking out in defense of the GoFundMe campaigns launched to support the families of late actors James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane. Milano argued that most actors lack long-term wealth due to industry changes, such as the rise of streaming platforms and shorter TV seasons, which have made it increasingly difficult to earn consistent income. She urged critics to blame Hollywood executives rather than the talent, stating that community support is ordinary and important when someone is grieving or facing uncertainty.

Why it matters

The backlash against the GoFundMe campaigns for Van Der Beek and Dane's families highlights a common misconception that all actors are wealthy. Milano's defense sheds light on the financial realities many working actors face, including lack of job security, inconsistent income, and rising medical costs, which can make it difficult to maintain financial stability even for recognizable stars.

The details

Milano explained that the entertainment industry's shift away from long-term network contracts and residual payments has made it increasingly challenging for actors to earn consistent, long-term income. She noted that most SAG-AFTRA members do not earn enough annually from acting to qualify for union health insurance, and many are considered middle class or working class at best. The pandemic and the rise of AI have further exacerbated these issues, leading actors to seek out supplemental income streams like Cameo and paid social media partnerships.

  • On February 11, 2026, James Van Der Beek died following a battle with stage three colorectal cancer.
  • On February 19, 2026, Eric Dane passed away due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
  • As of February 25, 2026, Van Der Beek's GoFundMe campaign had raised nearly $2.8 million, while Dane's had amassed over $464,000.

The players

Alyssa Milano

An American actress who is speaking out in defense of the GoFundMe campaigns launched to support the families of late actors James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane.

James Van Der Beek

An American actor who died on February 11, 2026, following a battle with stage three colorectal cancer.

Eric Dane

An American actor who passed away on February 19, 2026, due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

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What they’re saying

“When friends of Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek organized GoFundMe campaigns for their families, the backlash was swift and predictable. Comment sections filled with variations of the same accusation: Why are we giving money to elites? Aren't they rich? Isn't this absurd?”

— Alyssa Milano, Actress (Substack)

“There is a mythology about actors that lingers from another era, one built on twenty-two-episode seasons, long-term network contracts, DVD sales, and syndication checks that arrived for decades. In that model, a hit show could provide steady employment for most of the year and residuals that offered real financial security between jobs. That system has largely disappeared.”

— Alyssa Milano, Actress (Substack)

“According to SAG-AFTRA's own data, the majority of its members do not earn enough annually from acting to qualify for union health insurance. Most working actors are middle class at best. Many are working class. Visibility is not wealth. Recognition is not financial stability.”

— Alyssa Milano, Actress (Substack)

The takeaway

This situation highlights the misconceptions about the financial stability of actors, even those with recognizable faces from beloved shows. It underscores the need to understand the changing realities of the entertainment industry and the challenges many working actors face in maintaining consistent income and access to healthcare, especially when facing serious health issues. The community support for Van Der Beek and Dane's families is a reminder of the importance of compassion and assistance during difficult times.