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James Van Der Beek, former teen star, struggles to cover medical expenses

A fundraising effort was established to support the actor’s family, who faced financial hardship following costly cancer treatments.

In the 1990s and 2000s, James Van Der Beek was a ubiquitous figure in the entertainment industry, starring in the popular teen drama Dawson's Creek and gracing numerous magazine covers, including one that labeled him a "new superstar".

James Van Der Beek wears a black polo and stands in front of a blue background — James Van Der Beek kept working after being diagnosed with cancer

However, his family's subsequent struggles with financial hardship, particularly in the face of his medical bills, highlighted the precarious financial situation faced by many actors and ordinary Americans alike, who often find themselves struggling to make ends meet due to exorbitant medical costs.

Van Der Beek, who had six children with his wife, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 48, three years after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The financial burden of his medical treatment was so significant that his wife has now made a public appeal for donations to prevent the family from losing their home, with a total of $2.3m (£1.7m) raised so far.

In the months leading up to his death, Van Der Beek had spoken publicly about the financial strain of his cancer treatment, and had even auctioned off memorabilia from his career, including a plaid shirt from the first episode of Dawson's Creek, to help make ends meet.

James Van Der Beek, as Dawson Leery, appears standing in a field with a hand in his jeans pocket, wearing a white t-shirt and red plaid long-sleeved buttoned-down shirt — James Van Der Beek auctioned off the shirt he wore in this promotional still

As Van Der Beek explained to People Magazine last November, "I've been holding onto these items for years, and given the recent challenges I've faced, it's become clear that now is the time to use them to make a difference."

The high cost of Van Der Beek's medical treatment was compounded by the fact that he was no longer earning the same level of income as he had during the height of his career, and he had also revealed that he had not received residuals from his work on Dawson's Creek, which would have provided a significant source of additional income.

In a 2012 interview with Today, Van Der Beek recalled that he had been paid "almost nothing" for his work on Dawson's Creek, and that his contract had not included provisions for residual payments.

Despite his diagnosis, Van Der Beek continued to work, appearing in two episodes of the TV show Overcompensating in 2025, although it is unclear whether this work was sufficient to qualify him for health insurance through the actors' union, SAG-AFTRA, which requires members to work a minimum of 108 days per year or earn at least $28,090 on union shoots to be eligible.

Van Der Beek's situation is not unique, as other high-profile actors, such as Beverly Hills 90210 star Shannen Doherty, who passed away in 2024, have also spoken out about their struggles with medical debt and lack of insurance.

Actor Benjamin Byron Davis, who has appeared in TV shows and films such as Marvel's Ant Man, noted that the decline of residual payments has become a major issue for actors, making it difficult for them to make a living and qualify for health insurance through their union.

Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson sit on a board walk and pose for a photo — Van Der Beek and his Dawson's Creek co-stars pictured in 1997

"The revenue streams that actors have traditionally relied on have dried up," Davis explained, citing the impact of streaming on the way production companies compensate performers, and adding that many actors depend on these payments to survive.

Davis himself lost his health insurance during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strikes, but was able to regain it once the strikes were over and he was able to meet the union's eligibility requirements again.

According to Davis, the minimum earnings required to qualify for health insurance through SAG-AFTRA have increased significantly over the past decade, making it difficult for many actors to access affordable healthcare.

Valerie Yaros, an archivist with SAG-AFTRA, noted that while the union's health insurance plan provides good coverage for those who are eligible, many actors struggle to meet the requirements.

Yaros added that it is possible that Van Der Beek may have lost his eligibility for the union's health insurance plan due to his reduced work hours.

In 2024, Van Der Beek spoke to People about the challenges of dealing with cancer treatment and insurance, describing it as a "full-time job".

Van Der Beek's death has brought attention to the ongoing debate about rising healthcare costs in the US, an issue that has been recognized by both Republicans and Democrats as in need of reform, but has yet to be adequately addressed.

The US has one of the most expensive healthcare systems in the world, with estimated spending on healthcare projected to reach $5.9tn in 2026, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Approximately 100 million people in the US struggle to pay off their medical and dental healthcare debt, according to recent data.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Van Der Beek's widow, Kimberley, and their six children, who are facing an uncertain future and significant financial strain in the wake of his passing.

The page, which was shared by Van Der Beek's wife, notes that the family is struggling to stay in their home and provide for the children's education and well-being, despite the significant donations that have been made so far.

The page reads, "In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future, and the costs of James's medical care and extended fight against cancer have left the family without sufficient funds."

Even with health insurance, cancer treatment can be extremely costly in the US, with some studies suggesting that the average monthly cost of chemotherapy can range from $1,000 to $12,000.

Eva Stahl, vice president of policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has paid off approximately $25bn of medical debt for nearly 15 million people, noted that the US private healthcare system often leaves even those with insurance facing high deductibles and significant out-of-pocket costs.

"People are being forced to choose between life-saving treatments and debt," Stahl said, highlighting the unfairness of the current healthcare system, which can leave even those with significant resources, like James Van Der Beek, struggling to afford necessary care.

Michael Short, a graphic artist in Tennessee who has personal experience with medical debt, shared the story of his sister, who was forced to declare bankruptcy due to medical debt from cancer treatments, despite having insurance coverage.

"The prices of these medications and treatments are just so high," Short said, noting that the costs can quickly add up to hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

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Probe Underway into DNA Discovered at Nancy Guthrie’s Residence

According to the sheriff’s department, efforts are underway to determine the owner of the DNA, although the location of its discovery has not been released.

Local authorities have discovered DNA at the residence of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of American news anchor Savannah Guthrie, that does not match her or anyone in her close circle, according to officials.

Savannah Guthrie and mother Nancy Guthrie

The Pima County Sheriff's Department is currently working to determine the origin of the unidentified DNA, but has not disclosed its exact location.

Several gloves have been found by investigators, with one discovered approximately two miles away from Nancy Guthrie's residence.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home nearly two weeks ago, and authorities suspect she was taken against her will.

The sheriff's department has clarified that reports of a glove being found inside or on the property of Nancy Guthrie's home are incorrect.

All evidence collected has been submitted for laboratory analysis, according to the department.

On Thursday, the FBI released a description of the suspect, stating that the individual is a male, approximately 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in (175-177cm) tall, with a medium build.

Investigators were able to gather identifying details about the suspect by analyzing footage from a doorbell camera located outside Nancy Guthrie's home.

The suspect was seen wearing a 25-litre Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack in the footage, as reported by the FBI.

Following the release of the doorbell footage, investigators received over 13,000 tips, including 4,000 within a 24-hour period.

The FBI has increased the reward for information regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance from $50,000 (£36,700) to $100,000.

The county sheriff's department stated that the suspect description remains a primary focus of the investigation, but added that no individual or possibility is being ruled out.

Investigators have also made a broader appeal for neighbors to share any video footage that may be relevant to the case.

Authorities have noted that Nancy Guthrie, 84, requires daily medication and has limited mobility.

Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have posted multiple social media appeals directed at their mother's abductor.

The family believes Nancy Guthrie is still alive and has indicated their willingness to pay for her safe return.

News

Malinin Crashes to Eighth in Free Skate Upset

At the Milan-Cortina 2026 event, USA’s Ilia Malinin, heavily tipped to claim the men’s figure skating title, experienced a disappointing outing, suffering two falls, which ultimately led to him finishing off the podium, while Kazakhstan’s Mikhail Shaidorov secured the top spot and the gold medal.

At the Milan-Cortina 2026 event, Ilia Malinin of the USA, who was heavily tipped to win the men's figure skating gold, experienced a disappointing performance, falling twice and ultimately missing the podium, allowing Kazakhstan's Mikhail Shaidorov to claim the top spot.

For further information, Mikhail Shaidorov's gold medal win is detailed in a separate article, which also discusses Ilia Malinin's unexpected loss.

Access to additional content is restricted to users based in the UK.

Business

Decline of Dining Out Trend Raises Concerns

According to the restaurant industry, it is currently dealing with a dual challenge: increasing expenses and a decrease in consumer spending power.

James Deegan's go-to order at his favorite restaurant, the grilled chicken burger, has lost its appeal due to a significant price hike.

Vicki sitting at an outdoor table eating a bowl of salad. She is holding a fork with a bite of food and has a cup of coffee, cutlery, and a menu on the wooden table. The restaurant’s exterior has large windows and decorative flowers are visible behind them. — Vicki and her family tend to avoid ordering starters and alcoholic drinks to keep restaurant bills down

The price increase from £12 to £18, plus the cost of a drink, has made dining out a costly affair for James.

This substantial price jump has led to James reducing his restaurant visits to just a couple of times a month, as he can no longer afford to dine out as frequently as he used to.

As a 27-year-old carer for autistic individuals, James must closely monitor his expenses to cover all his outgoings, limiting his social activities in the process.

James emphasizes the need to budget for small pleasures, which he once took for granted, in order to make ends meet.

The UK's cost of living crisis has been well-documented, with James having relied on a food bank in the past when his finances were strained, and one of its effects is a decrease in people's disposable income.

This reduction in disposable income means people have less money to spend on social activities, such as vacations, drinks at the pub, or eating out at restaurants.

The hospitality industry is facing a significant challenge due to decreased consumer spending and rising business costs, including taxes, food, wages, and energy expenses.

Many restaurants have increased their prices to remain operational, but some have still been forced to close down.

James wearing a light grey T‑shirt standing indoors in a bright room. Part of a doorway or wall panel is visible behind him, with a window and a ceiling light in the background. — James says he can only afford to dine out once or twice a month as meal prices have risen

According to the Hospitality Market Monitor, the number of restaurants in the UK decreased by nearly a fifth between December 2019 and December 2025, from 43,000 to 35,500.

A YouGov report found that people in Britain are dining out less frequently, with the majority citing price increases and the rising cost of living as the primary reasons.

The report, published in October, surveyed 2,000 respondents, with 38% stating they were eating out less often than the previous year.

Of those who reported eating out less, 63% attributed it to price increases, while 62% cited the increased cost of living.

Petrit Velaj, a 30-year veteran of the restaurant industry, opened his own Greek restaurant, Rozafa, in central Manchester in 2010.

Rozafa has received awards for its cuisine and has hosted famous diners, including Priscilla Presley and Boris Johnson.

Petrit, who hails from Corfu, enjoys sharing traditional Greek culture and music with his customers, in addition to serving authentic Greek dishes.

However, he is uncertain about the restaurant's future prospects.

Petrit expressed his passion for cooking and providing excellent service, stating that it brings him joy to see customers happy.

Petrit wearing a white chef’s jacket standing inside his restaurant, just in front of the kitchen and bar. Shelves behind him hold hanging utensils, spices, and kitchen equipment. Bottles of spirits and Greek decorations are arranged along the back wall. There is also an espresso machine visible in the background. — Petrit opened Rozafa in 2010 and loves his job – but he's not sure how much longer it's viable

He explained that for every £100 the restaurant earns, approximately £55 goes towards paying various taxes, leaving £45 to cover other expenses.

These expenses, including gas, electricity, water, rent, food, and wages, have increased over the years, making it challenging for the restaurant to operate.

As the owner of two restaurants, including one in Stockport, Petrit is responsible for 18 employees, some of whom have been with him for 20 years.

He is aware of the financial burdens his staff face and sometimes forgoes his own salary to ensure they are paid.

Fortunately, Petrit's children are now financially independent, alleviating some of his concerns.

He believes that running a restaurant has become increasingly difficult since he started in the industry.

Petrit, like many chefs, is critical of National Insurance rises and increasing business rates, as well as local issues such as limited parking and unclean streets, which deter customers.

Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay shares Petrit's concerns about tax, warning that restaurants are "facing a bloodbath" and advocating for more cautious implementation of business rate increases.

Shortly after Ramsay's comments, the government announced a support package for pubs, but not restaurants.

The interior of the Rozafa restaurant containing tables set with white cloths, cutlery, wine glasses, and red candle holders. Black chairs are arranged around the tables, and single red roses in vases are placed as centrepieces. Toward the back, staff members are working at a bar and open kitchen area with shelves of bottles and hanging utensils. — Some months cashflow is so tight at Petrit's restaurant Rozafa he isn't able to pay himself a wage

Chancellor Rachel Reeves expressed particular concern about the impact of business rates on pubs compared to other high street businesses.

Petrit fears the potential closure of Rozafa, not only for himself and his staff but also for the local community it serves.

Several well-known restaurants in Manchester city centre, including TNQ Restaurant & Bar, have closed down in the past year.

Petrit believes that restaurants play a vital role in society, providing a space for people to come together and experience different cultures.

Kate Nicholls, chairwoman of the UK Hospitality trade body, agrees that restaurants are essential to the cultural and economic well-being of British towns and cities.

Nicholls emphasizes the importance of restaurants in creating jobs and attracting people to high streets, which in turn benefits other local businesses.

She stresses that restaurants are valuable assets that must be supported to prevent their loss.

Vicki and one of her children sitting at a dining table in a restaurant - other customers can be seen in the background — Vicki's family tend to eat out in restaurants once a week

Nicholls warns that if restaurants are not utilized, they will be lost, highlighting the need for community support.

Even individuals with above-average disposable incomes are feeling the effects of the higher cost of living, leading to changes in their dining habits.

Vicki Broadbent, a children's author and parenting blogger, comes from a family of restaurateurs and values the importance of restaurants in bringing people together.

Vicki and her husband, who live in Harrogate with their three children, typically dine out once a week, which they consider a privilege.

For Vicki, dining out is not only about enjoying good food but also about spending quality time with her family and reconnecting after a busy schedule.

However, as a higher rate taxpayer, Vicki and her husband are also feeling the financial strain and have adapted their restaurant habits accordingly.

Vicki notes that she and her family have stopped ordering starters due to their high cost, with prices ranging from £7-9 per dish, which could be better spent on a more substantial main course.

The expense of dining out is further compounded by Vicki's two teenage boys, who have outgrown the children's menu and now require more substantial portions, driving up the overall cost of their meals.

To keep costs in check, Vicki and her husband typically opt for soft drinks and water instead of alcoholic beverages, reserving the latter for special occasions such as birthdays or anniversaries.

Vicki and one of her children sitting at a dining table set with plates, cutlery, a bowl of sliced fruit, a teapot, and a glass jug. The child is wearing a T‑shirt with a rainbow design and she is wearing a black top with a colourful beaded necklace. The table is black glass and the wall behind them is white and has a framed picture. — The restaurant bills for Vicki's family are also increasing as her two boys are now hungry teenagers

In an effort to save money, the Broadbents sometimes choose to order takeaways instead of eating out, although Vicki observes that portion sizes have decreased over time, making it challenging to find good value.

Vicki remarks that the value of takeaways is often short-lived, as her teenagers tend to feel hungry again just a few hours later, leading her to question the worth of spending £100 on a meal that does not provide long-lasting satisfaction.

When selecting a restaurant, Vicki is often swayed by establishments that offer discounts, a strategy that Sarika Rana, head of consumer research at YouGov, says is common among many diners.

According to YouGov's October report, the rising cost of living is significantly influencing people's dining habits, with many still valuing the experience of eating out but being forced to make adjustments due to financial constraints.

The report found that half of the surveyed diners had altered their behavior to save money, with strategies including choosing less expensive restaurants and reducing the number of dishes ordered, while 46% of respondents said they forego desserts altogether.

In Crewe, James is being mindful of his expenses, recognizing that careful budgeting is necessary to enjoy a meal with friends or family without breaking the bank.

For James, eating out serves as a vital way to unwind and recharge after periods of intense care work, but he wishes that indulging in such small pleasures did not require so much financial planning and effort.

James expresses frustration at the difficulty of affording modest luxuries like dining out, describing the situation as "crazy" and "ridiculous".