The GoFundMe page for James Van Der Beek’s family surpassed $US1.5 million in donations following the actor’s death.
The page, created by Van Der Beek’s friends, had raised almost $1.7 million as of Friday morning.
The fundraiser’s initial goal was $US350,000, but it increased to $US1.5 million yesterday.
Over 33,000 people have contributed to the GoFundMe, including actress Zoe Saldaña, who set up a recurring donation of $US2,500 a month.
MORE:Dawson’s Creek star’s new family life before death
Other celebrity donors include Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst and Kaley Cuoco, while director Steven Spielberg and his wife have made a $US25,000 donation.
Van Der Beek died Wednesday at 48 after battling colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife of 15 years, Kimberly, and their six children.
The GoFundMe was created to cover the Van Der Beeks’ essential living expenses, bills and the children’s education.
“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,” the page reads.
The fund-raiser adds that Van Der Beek’s loved ones are “out of funds” due to his expensive cancer treatment costs and “are facing an uncertain future” following his death.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” the page states. “Thank you for considering a gift to support them.”
Kimberly shared a link to the GoFundMe on her Instagram Stories, writing, “My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.”
James announced he had cancer in November 2024, revealing that he received his diagnosis over a year earlier, in August 2023.
He auctioned off his personal Dawson’s Creek memorabilia — including the outfit Dawson wore in the show’s pilot — and jerseys from his movie Varsity Blues late last year to fund his cancer treatment.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now,” he told People in November.
In a statement yesterday announcing her husband’s death, Kimberly shared that he “passed peacefully.”
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote on Instagram.
“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come,” Kimberly added. “For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission.
date: 2026-02-12 21:49:00
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