The protagonist of Dawson’s Creek James Van der Beekwho died yesterday at just 48 years old from colorectal cancer, had six children with his wife Kimberly Brook. The eldest Olivia, 15 years old, the youngest Jeremiah, 4. To help his large family keep their home, after the huge medical expenses incurred, a group of the actor’s friends launched a fundraiser immediately after the news of his death which in just a few hours exceeded one million dollars.
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“Dawson’s Creek” actor James Van Der Beek dies at 48
by Rita Celi
The goal, initially set at $250,000, increased on Wednesday to more than $1.3 million. “Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’ medical care and a long fight against cancer have left the family without funds – reads the message accompanying the fundraiser – They are working hard to stay at home and to ensure that the children can continue their education and maintain some balance in this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family and the community at large will make a difference in their future path”.
The actor from Connecticut became famous in the late nineties in the role of the blond, thoughtful and charming Dawson Leery next to colleagues like Michelle Williams e Katie Holmes in the series that enchanted a generation. Holmes wrote on social media: “Thank you for sharing your imagination. We have so many memories together: laughter, conversations about life, the songs of James Taylor, the adventures of a unique adolescence. Courage, compassion, strength. You created a beautiful marriage with 6 children, a hero’s journey. I grieve your absence and my heart aches for this loss.”
A family friend, the actress and dancer Stacy Keiblerrecounted James’ last days with his family: “Spending these last days with you was a true gift from God. I have never been so present in my life. When you know that time is sacred, you don’t waste a single breath. You’re not in a hurry. You don’t scroll on your phone. You don’t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change color and you let yourself change too.”
In a last interview, about two months ago with Todaythe actor had explained how they had dealt with his illness in the family: “The children know if you are not well. They know if you are sick. They know that you don’t feel well. They know if you are in pain. So their request, especially that of the older ones, is: ‘Be honest with us. We want to know how you are'”.
date:2026-02-12 18:41:00