NEED TO KNOW
A GoFundMe created to raise money for James Van Der Beek’s family in the wake of his death on Feb. 11 has raised at least $1.3 million within 24 hours
According to the description on the fundraising website, the appeal was to cover “the costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer,” which has left his family, “out of funds”
Donors include director Jon M. Chu, actress Zoe Saldaña and Dancing with the Star‘s Derek Hough
James Van Der Beek’s friends and fans have come together to raise more than $1 million for his family.
A GoFundMe created by friends of the Dawson Creek star’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, to raise money for their family after the actor’s death on Wednesday, Feb. 11, has raised at least $1.3 million within 24 hours.
The goal for the GoFundMe was originally set at $250,000, but grew as more and more donations came in throughout Feb. 11. So far, over 26,000 donations have been pledged, several of which are recurring monthly payments.
The top donors of the GoFundMe include Wicked director Jon M. Chu and talent manager and investor Guy Oseary, who each donated $10,000. The Marla Maples Foundation, a non-profit organization set up by actress Marla Maples, contributed $5,000.
Several celebrities also played a hand in helping the fundraiser surpass its goals, including Zoe Saldaña, who donated a monthly payment of $2,500, according to a post on X. Derek Hough and Danica McKellar also made a contribution to the fund, according to comments McKellar made on Hough’s Instagram tribute to Van Der Beek.
The GoFundMe was created to raise money for the family after “the costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” the description for the crowdsourcing page read.
“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,” the post read. “The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
James Van Der Beek/Instagram
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them,” the statement concluded.
Van Der Beek shares six kids with his wife, Kimberly — daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
Kimberly announced the news of her husband’s death on Instagram on Feb. 11, writing, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.”
“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,” she continued. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The actor was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, and announced it exclusively to PEOPLE in November 2024.
A photo of James Van Der Beek with his wife Kimberly and their six kids in Austin, Tx Courtesy of Libby’s Vegetables
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“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said at the time.
In the wake of his death, several of his friends and costars have paid tribute to him, including his Dawson’s Creek costar, Katie Holmes, who wrote that she was “so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey” and described him as “beloved.”
Fellow Dawson’s Creek costar Busy Philipps also shared a tribute on Instagram, calling the actor “one in a billion.” She wrote that she was “profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children” and urged fans to visit the GoFundMe created to support them.
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