GoFundMe donations for the family of the late “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek rose to more than $2.3 million Friday, 54% more than the goal of $1.5 million.
Friends of his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children –ages 4 to 15 — started the GoFundMe account shortly after his death Wednesday at age 48 from colorectal cancer to offset the family’s “uncertain future” after the actor’s “medical care and the extended fight against cancer … left the family out of funds.”
“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,” they noted in the appeal for the campaign, which has raised $2,308,078 as of late Friday morning.
“The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg was among the top donors, adding $25,000 to the fund. Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” character, Dawson Leery, was an aspiring filmmaker who idolized the legendary director during the show’s run from 1998 to 2003.
Other donors have included “Wicked” director Jon M. Chu and President Donald Trump’s ex-wife, actress Marla Maples, whose Marla Maples Foundation contributed $5,000.
In addition to the hit WB show Van Der Beek also had leading role in the 1999 film “Varsity Blues.” He was a cast member of the 2012-14 ABC comedy “Don’t Trust the B—-in Apartment 23,” playing a fictionalized version of himself; the 2015-16 CBS police procedural “CSI: Cyber” as an FBI agent and the first season of the 2018-21 FX drama “Pose”.
Van Der Beek, a native of Connecticut, was born in 1977, the oldest of three children.
He first announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024, telling People magazine “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
The family’s GoFundMe account is at gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-van-der-beeks-family.