Alyssa Milano defends GoFundMe for Dane and Van Der Beek

Alyssa Milano is speaking out in defense of her fellow deceased actors who recently raised huge sums of money through GoFundMe fundraisers set up to help the families they left behind.

Amid backlash from GoFundMe accounts set up for Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek, Milano explained why she thinks there’s nothing wrong with fans honoring their memories in a monetary way.

Alyssa Milano defends GoFundMe created for Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek

Speaking to Substack, the legendary actress expressed her thoughts on honoring the lives of Dane and Van Der Beek, both of whom recently passed away from ALS and cancer, respectively.

“When friends of Eric Dane and James Van Der Beek organized GoFundMe campaigns for their families, the response was swift and predictable,” Milano’s post begins. “Comment sections filled with variations of the same accusation: Why do we give money to elites? Aren’t they rich? Isn’t that absurd?”

“There is a mythology about actors that persists from another era, built over twenty-two seasons of episodes, long-term network contracts, DVD sales and syndication checks arriving over decades,” she continued.

“In this model, a hit show could provide steady employment for most of the year and residuals that provided real financial security between jobs. This system shaped the public’s understanding of what a ‘successful’ actor should earn. But this system has largely disappeared,” Milano explained.

The ‘Charmed’ star also explained that being a celebrity doesn’t always mean immense wealth

“A recognizable face from a beloved show fifteen years ago does not guarantee permanent wealth,” Milano wrote. “The entertainment industry is cyclical and unpredictable. Income comes in bursts, followed by long waiting periods. Health insurance is dependent on meeting income thresholds.”

The “Who’s The Boss” star went on to detail the inconsistencies in acting and salary distribution.

“Agents, managers, and lawyers take percentages. Families rely on consistency in a profession built on inconsistency. Add a serious health diagnosis to that equation and it’s impossible to stay afloat. Medical costs rise. Earning capacity changes. Time becomes less flexible,” his post read.

“The most telling question is not why anyone would give, but why generosity toward someone recognizable provokes such suspicion. Compassion should not be means-tested,” the actress explained.

Milano ended his thoughts by adding: “It shouldn’t be controversial. It should be a wake-up call.”

Eric Dane’s GoFundMe received mostly negative reactions online

A GoFundMe has been set up for Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart’s two daughters, Billie, 15, and Geraldine, 13, following his death on February 19.

The fundraiser, which has so far raised almost its entire $500,000 goal, stated the intention behind the money.

“As his illness progressed far faster than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends came together to create this GoFundMe to support his daughters and their future needs,” the fundraiser read.

“Any contribution, no matter how small, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and into the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”

“Here we go again… if you absolutely have to donate your money, donate directly to ALS research,” one Reddit user wrote about the GoFundMe for Dane. “His friends can afford to give money to his daughters. They don’t need his fans to do it,” said another.

Some editors also highlighted Dane’s successful acting career, which has earned him millions, particularly in “Grey’s Anatomy” and the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”

“This guy was on TV for a decade and raked in millions – what are we doing here?” one Redditor commented.

“He literally filmed Euphoria while he was sick and the show hasn’t even aired yet… I don’t know how much he makes from this show but it’s pretty popular,” another user wrote. “What about Grey’s Anatomy? I really feel for Rebecca and her kids, but it’s not like they lost a lot of money.”

James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe sparked similar reaction after his finances were revealed

According to Realtor.com, on January 9, 2026, Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, purchased a 36-acre ranch in Texas for $4.76 million.

When news of the multi-million dollar purchase was revealed amid the creation of the GoFundMe for his wife and six children, many were outraged, as it was believed the property could be sold to financially support Van Der Beek’s family.

The fundraiser, which had an initial goal of $1.5 million, was intended to help cover medical and other living expenses for his wife and children.

“This is why these GoFundMe efforts are annoying,” one user wrote on Reddit. “It’s usually gullible people who give their hard-earned money to celebrities with poor financial planning.”

“They also have a $2.5 million house in Beverly Hills that they collect rent on,” another user wrote. “Health care in the United States is bad, but come on, don’t get ripped off.”

“I don’t mean to be rude, but couldn’t they sell the land and the ranch and downsize their operation if they needed the money? shared a third Redditor. “I’m not saying their donations should be taken away from them, or that they probably aren’t struggling, but there are so many less fortunate people on GoFundMe who don’t even get a cent, nor do they have a $5 million estate they can use as collateral.”

Former ‘America’s Next Top Model’ judge Miss J Alexander also has a GoFundMe that has sparked backlash

Talent manager and producer Steven Grossman shared a photo of himself with Miss J Alexander on Instagram, paired with a lengthy caption about the former track coach’s recovery before asking his followers to contribute to the GoFundMe.

“I started a @gofundme to help @miss_jalexander with the crushing financial burden of medical bills and long-term care,” Grossman’s caption read in part. “So if Miss J has ever made you smile or laugh, I hope you’ll consider donating or sharing with your community. Let’s all come together for someone who has inspired so much joy, confidence and individuality in all of us.”

In the post’s comments, an Instagram user asked Grossman why he was starting a GoFundMe if he was so close to Alexander, also alluding to his financial situation as a Hollywood manager and producer, and Grossman offered a defense.

“Because he kept it private for years until the Netflix documentary came out and it wasn’t my news to share,” he wrote in response. “For clarity, I never replaced Miss J. She’s just a friend.”

To date, GoFundMe has raised more than $30,000 of its $50,000 goal.