Austin, February 12, 2026 — A GoFundMe campaign launched to support the family of actor James Van Der Beek after his death from colorectal cancer on February 11 has already surpassed $1.2 million in less than 24 hours, demonstrating an outpouring of support for his widow and six children.
A Community Rallies for a Beloved Family
The campaign aims to provide financial stability for Kimberly Van Der Beek and their children as they navigate life after a heartbreaking loss.
- James Van Der Beek, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, passed away at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer.
- A GoFundMe campaign quickly exceeded its initial goal, raising over $1.2 million in under a day.
- Zoe Saldana has pledged a monthly donation of $2,500 to the fund, joining other celebrities in offering support.
- The family faced significant financial strain due to the actor’s illness and limited residual income from his early work.
The swift response to the fundraiser highlights the profound impact Van Der Beek had on his colleagues and fans. Zoe Saldana’s commitment to a recurring monthly donation of $2,500 stands out among the many contributions, alongside support from Derek Hough, Lydia Hearst, and Ricki Lake.
What kind of financial challenges did the Van Der Beek family face? The family was left “without funds” and struggling to maintain their home in Texas, according to the GoFundMe page. The campaign emphasizes the emotional and financial burdens experienced during Van Der Beek’s illness, as they focused on providing him with the best possible care.
Van Der Beek himself publicly discussed the financial strain of his illness, revealing that it left him unable to work and provide for his family. He lamented the lack of financial benefit from his early success on Dawson’s Creek, stating in an interview with Today, “I was 20 years old. It was a bad contract. I hardly saw any of that,” referring to the limited residual income from the show’s reruns and streaming rights.
To alleviate some of the financial pressure, Van Der Beek auctioned off memorabilia from the series. He explained to People that he had been holding onto these items for years, finally deciding to use them to raise funds, with one notable sale being the necklace he gifted to Joey, which fetched $26,628.
The outpouring of support extends beyond monetary donations. Katie Holmes, Van Der Beek’s former co-star on Dawson’s Creek, shared a heartfelt message, writing, “James, thank you. Sharing space with your imagination is sacred… I trust that our hearts are safe in that expression.” She also offered her support to Kimberly and the children, assuring them that “we will always be there for you. And we will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”
Van Der Beek had previously used his platform to support others facing cancer, donating 100% of the net profits from merchandise related to the 20th anniversary of Varsity Blues to families affected by the disease, including his own.
Kimberly Van Der Beek is now focused on ensuring her six children can remain in their home and continue their education. The GoFundMe campaign underscores the urgent need for support as the family rebuilds their lives.
