James Van Der Beek's family raises over $2M in donations after actor's death
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: An outpouring of support has followed the death of James Van Der Beek, as the late actor’s family has raised more than $2 million through a GoFundMe campaign in just days.
The fundraiser, launched after the 48-year-old died on February 11, quickly surpassed its original $250,000 goal, fueled in part by generous donations from his high-profile friends and colleagues.
Stars including Zoe Saldana, Derek Hough, and Steven Spielberg contributed thousands to support the 'Dawson’s Creek' actor’s family, helping push the total well beyond the updated $1.5 million target and past the $2 million mark.
Stars donated to James Van Der Beek’s family
After designer Erin Fetherston said that James Van Der Beek’s family was in “urgent need” of financial support following the actor’s death from colorectal cancer, several of his high-profile friends stepped in to help.
GoFundMe reports show that Steven Spielberg and his wife donated $25,000, Zoe Saldana pledged $2,500 a month, 'Wicked' director Jon M Chu gave $10,000, and Derek Hough donated $1,000. Other donors include Ricki Lake, Miranda Kerr, Kaley Cuoco, Lydia Hearst, and the Marla Maples Foundation, which contributed $5,000, though some amounts were not disclosed.
Tributes also began pouring in for Van Der Beek, with his 'Dawson’s Creek' co-stars, including Katie Holmes, Busy Philipps, Mary-Margaret Hume, Sasha Alexander, and Chad Michael Murray, among the many celebrities remembering the late actor.
GoFundMe expresses gratitude to James Van Der Beek’s fans and friends for their support
The GoFundMe page set up by James Van Der Beek’s friends and family posted an update on February 12, thanking fans for their support.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,” the page wrote. “Your 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’s spirit continues to bring people together."
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua (13), and Jeremiah.
Kimberly shared the news of his death in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday, February 11, writing, “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer
James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and publicly shared the news in November 2024. At the time, he told People, “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this and taking steps to treat it with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
In December 2025, he spoke to Today’s Craig Melvin about his health, saying, “I feel much, much better than I did a couple months ago. It's been a longer journey than I ever thought it would be. It's required more of me — more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong — I didn't know I was this strong. But I feel good."
