James Van Der Beek Opens Up About Financial Struggles

In a heartwarming show of support, fans and friends have rallied around the family of James Van Der Beek, creating a lifeline through GoFundMe donations. The beloved actor, known for his iconic role in Dawson’s Creek, passed away at 48 after a courageous two-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He leaves behind his wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

Kimberly, while sharing the heartbreaking news of her husband’s passing, disclosed that friends had taken the initiative to launch a GoFundMe campaign. Its purpose is to offer financial assistance to the family during this challenging period.

Within just seven hours, the campaign garnered an impressive $1.2 million, a testament to the love and admiration fans and friends alike held for Van Der Beek. The GoFundMe page poignantly describes the uncertainty now facing Kimberly and her children, emphasizing the financial strain brought about by the actor’s extensive medical care and prolonged fight against cancer.

The message on the fundraising page highlights the family’s pressing need to secure their home and ensure the children’s education remains uninterrupted, striving to maintain stability amid their profound loss. Such overwhelming support underscores the community’s dedication to standing by the Van Der Beek family during this incredibly trying time.

‘The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. 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.’

‘Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.’

James spoke honestly about his family’s financial woes in social media posts about his treatment, explaining how he had been left unable to work and provide for his wife and children during his gruelling treatment. 

James Van Der Beek’s family are being supported by GoFundMe donations after the actor and his family were plunged into financial turmoil before his death at the age of 48 

The Dawson’s Creek star died on Wednesday after a two year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer , survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children 

His extensive medical bills and living costs contributed to the hardship as James moved from the family’s remote Texas ranch, which they bought in 2020 after years living in Los Angeles, to an apartment closer to the hospital during treatment. 

In December James, also known for his roles in Varsity Blues, One Tree Hill and CSI: Cyber, was forced to sell off memorabilia from the set of Dawson’s Creek, bringing in $47,000.  

The necklace that his character, Dawson Leery, famously gifted Joey (played by Katie Holmes) went for $26,628. 

A collection of decorations from Dawson’s bedroom, including an Indiana Jones model kit and an ET doll, sold for $5,991, while a chairback went for $2,663.

‘I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them,’ Van Der Beek told People magazine at the time of the auction.

‘And with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now.’

He told the outlet that he did ‘have some nostalgia tugging at me’ as he parted ways with the physical memories, but added that it felt good to share them ‘with those who have supported my work over the years’.

Meanwhile in September 2025 James’ co-stars rallied around him, organising a star-studded cast reunion at Broadway’s famed Richard Rodgers Theater to help raise funds for their friend.

Organised by Jame’ Dawson’s Creek love interest Michelle Williams alongside Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, the cast reuited for a read through of their show’s pilot episode to raise funds for James’ treatment and the nonprofit F Cancer.

James was due to appear at event but had to pull out of the reunion at the last minute due to his ill health.  

As Kimberly shared the news of her husband’s death, she revealed that friends had created the GoFundMe page with the goal of raising funds to support the late actor’s family. Fans and friends have so far raised over $1.2million in just seven hours

James shot to fame in the 90s as Dawson’s Creek teen heartthrob Dawson Leery when he was 20 years old 

In September 2025 James’ co-stars rallied around him, organising a one-night charity event to help the star. James was forced to pull out of the event due to his ill health but appeared in a video (pictured)

In January, just weeks before James’ death, Cobra Kai actor Paul Walter Hauser announced that he would be raising funds to aid the star’s medical bills. It is not known if they were friends.

‘James Van Der Beek started selling his old stuff from his past acting jobs to pay for his colorectal cancer treatments, and it didn’t sit well with me,’ Hauser, 39, wrote on Instagram. ‘I am an actor and father of [three] children, and I want them inheriting my trinkets/wardrobe/memorabilia someday.

‘I wouldn’t want to auction off a Stingray shirt or Marvel script to make ends meet for treatment.’

The actor wrote that he also plans to auction off ‘personal items and autographs’ from some of his celebrity friends, including Josh Gad, Becky Lynch, Jimmy Kimmel and ‘many many more’.

Hauser, who is working with Cameo to help raise the funds, vowed on Wednesday to continue ‘drumming up some money’ to support the Van Der Beek family.

He wrote: ‘Thanks for the body of work and for being one of the good guys.’

As Kimberly shared the news of her husband’s death, she revealed that friends had created the GoFundMe page with the goal of raising funds to support the late actor’s family 

James’ last Instagram post was on January 25 where he looked slender but healthy. He was wishing his daughter and father a happy birthday

James shot to fame in the 90s as Dawson’s Creek teen heartthrob Dawson Leery when he was 20 years old.

The drama ran for six seasons on the WB Network between 1998 and 2003 and also launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson.

James did manage to shoot one final role during his treatment, filming scenes for a supporting role in Elle, which is based on the movie franchise Legally Blonde which starred Reese Witherspoon.

The series – which is being produced by Witherspoon – is a prequel starring Lexi Minetree as a young Elle Woods.

James will appear as Dean Wilson, a mayoral candidate and school district superintendent. He shot his scenes in May 2025. The series is set to premiere on Prime Video on July 1, 2026.