What to Know
James Van Der Beek‘s inner circle is raising money for his family following the actor’s death on Feb. 11. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared a link to a GoFundMe account via Instagram shortly after announcing the news of his passing.
“My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time,” she wrote with the link. “With gratitude and a broken heart.”
The GoFundMe page honors the actor, who battled colorectal cancer, as “a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him.”
It continued, “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.
In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have 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. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
The description concludes with, “Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. 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 goal on the account is set at $350,000. At the time of publishing this story, it has reached $158,000.
Earlier this year, Van Der Beek began auctioning off his Dawson’s Creek memorabilia and Varsity Blue jerseys to help with his treatment costs and for other families dealing with similar struggles. Additionally, the cast of “Dawson’s” reunited in September to raise money for the family.
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Emily Longeretta; Variety Entertainment News Service; Variety | © 2026 Variety Media, LLC, a subsidiary of Penske Business Media; Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC
