Donations are pouring in for the family of James Van Der Beek following the actor’s death on Wednesday.
A GoFundMe organized for Van Der Beek’s family has raised more than $1 million since the “Dawson’s Creek” star died at 48 on Feb. 11.
The fundraiser is intended to help support the actor’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children as they navigate this tragedy.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” The GoFundMe reads. “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 proceeds from the campaign will help “cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education,” it states.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” the GoFundMe continued. “Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”
As of Thursday morning, the campaign has received over 26,000 donations, totaling more than $1.3 million. Donors who left supportive comments for Van Der Beek’s family shared the impact the actor has had on their lives.
“Here’s to an amazing man, husband, father, friend, and actor,” one donor wrote. “Dawson’s Creek was a large part of my ‘growing up years’ and I’m so thankful to have learned life’s lessons from Dawson Leery, Pacey Witter, and Joey Potter. Praying for your sweet family. Long live Dawson.”
“Thank you for so much joy you brought through your work and passion, in particular the character of Dawson,” another donor wrote. “Reading some of the comments it’s clear to see how much Dawson’s Creek impacted on us. Sending love to your family.”
Van Der Beek’s wife announced her husband’s death in an Instagram post Wednesday afternoon.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote. “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. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The Instagram post did not specify Van Der Beek’s cause of death, but the actor announced in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, NBC News reported.
Last year on his birthday, March 8, Van Der Beek posted a thoughtful, heartfelt video on his Instagram account entitled “What cancer taught me.”
In the video, he described the year prior as “the hardest year of my life,” but said he wanted to share something important he’d learned while looking his “own mortality in the eye.”
Van Der Beek’s final Instagram post on Jan. 25 was for his father and daughter, who share a birthday.
“You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life,” the late actor wrote. “The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart.”
Van Der Beek leaves behind four daughters and two sons he raised with his wife, whom he married in 2010, according to People magazine. His eldest child is 15 years old, and his youngest is four.
After growing up as a theater kid in Connecticut, Van Der Beek starred in the movie “Varsity Blues” and on TV in “CSI: Cyber.” But the actor was best known for his lead role in “Dawson’s Creek,” which ran from 1998 to 2003 on The WB.
The TV series followed a group of friends in high school as they learned about falling in love, creating real friendships and finding their footing in life. Van Der Beek, then 20, played 15-year-old Dawson Leery, whose dream was to become a Steven Spielberg-esque director.
Van Der Beek’s co-star Katie Holmes penned a heartfelt tribute to him on Instagram Thursday morning.
“I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process,” Holmes wrote alongside a picture of a handwritten note. “I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
In the note, Holmes praised Van Der Beek’s “appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art.”
Holmes added that she was “holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” and expressed that she will always be there for his family.
After “Dawson’s Creek” ended, Van Der Beek struggled to make a name for himself outside the show. Eventually, he leaned into making fun of his reputation in comedy sketches, music videos and elsewhere.
