{"id":465605,"date":"2026-02-13T05:15:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T05:15:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/465605\/"},"modified":"2026-02-13T05:15:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T05:15:09","slug":"gofundme-for-james-van-der-beeks-family-tops-2-million-to-help-with-financial-strain-following-stars-death","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/465605\/","title":{"rendered":"GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek’s family tops $2 million to help with ‘financial strain’ following star’s death"},"content":{"rendered":"

A GoFundMe account set up for the family of James Van Der Beek surpassed $2 million as of Thursday evening following the Dawson\u2019s Creek star\u2019s<\/a> death on Wednesday. The former teen heartthrob<\/a>, who had been living with Stage 3 colorectal cancer<\/a> since 2023, was 48.<\/p>\n

The GoFundMe page, \u201cSupport for James Van Der Beek\u2019s family,<\/a>\u201d was organized by loved ones of the family, with Van Der Beek\u2019s wife, Kimberly, listed as the beneficiary.<\/p>\n

Among the donations is a recurring monthly payment of $2,500 from actress Zoe Salda\u00f1a. Acclaimed filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife, actress Kate Capshaw, also donated $25,000.<\/p>\n

\u201cJames Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him,\u201d read a statement on the fundraiser\u2019s page. \u201cAfter a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.\u201d<\/p>\n

Van Der Beek and his wife married in 2010 and share six young children together: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah. According to the statement on GoFundMe, \u201cKimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.\u201d Donations will go toward covering living expenses, paying bills and supporting the children\u2019s education.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The GoFundMe total as of 10:20pm ET on Feb. 12.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe costs of James\u2019s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,\u201d the statement continued. \u201cThey 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

An update from \u201cFriends Of The Van Der Beek Family\u201d was posted to the GoFundMe page on Thursday.<\/p>\n

\u201cThank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,\u201d read the update. \u201cYour kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James\u2019s spirit continues to bring people together.\u201d<\/p>\n

The update also included a request that members of the media give the Van Der Beek family \u201cspace and privacy as they walk through this painful season.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Van Der Beeks have previously sought financial support from the public. The Elle actor<\/a> teamed up with the online auction site Propstore last year to give fans the chance to own some of his most treasured pieces of memorabilia.<\/p>\n

All proceeds from the auction, held in early December, went toward helping Van Der Beek cover the costs of his colorectal cancer treatment. The highest-selling item was the necklace that Van Der Beek’s character, Dawson, gave to his girlfriend Joey, played by Katie Holmes, for prom in Season 3 of Dawson’s Creek. It sold for $26,628. Van Der Beek raised more than $47,000<\/a> from the memorabilia sale.<\/p>\n

Cobra Kai actor Paul Walter Hauser<\/a> had also been raising money for Van Der Beek<\/a> in the months leading up to the Dawson\u2019s Creek star\u2019s death. Hauser announced he wanted to help Van Der Beek after learning that he had been selling items from his personal memorabilia collection to pay medical bills. \u201cIt didn\u2019t sit well with me,\u201d Hauser wrote on Instagram in late January.<\/p>\n

After Van Der Beek\u2019s death was announced on Wednesday, Hauser said that he had raised more than $14,000 on Cameo<\/a>, a platform where celebrities create custom videos for fans, for the Varsity Blues actor.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know you\u2019re in Heaven being pampered with love,\u201d Hauser wrote on Instagram<\/a>. \u201cThe Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we\u2019ll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family. Thanks for the body of work and for being one of the good guys.\u201d<\/p>\n