James Van Der Beek, most known for his starring role in the teen melodrama Dawson’s Creek, passed away on Wednesday, February 11th, at 48 years old.
Fans and celebrities alike are sharing their heartfelt condolences for the beloved actor, and also chipping in money to his surviving family’s GoFundMe to cover living and medical expenses.
Van Der Beek’s Death
Van Der Beek lost his battle with colorectal cancer. The actor was diagnosed in early November 2024 with Stage 3 and chose to fight it.
He talked about his experiences with living with cancer on Instagram, constantly thanking his wife and children for their support.
“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” he wrote in a November Instagram post. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.”
James Van Der Beek fought hard, but ultimately succumbed to the disease.
Announcing it on her Instagram, wife Kimberly Van Der Beek wrote:
“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.”
GoFundMe for Family
After his death, a GoFundMe account was set up for the family.
Created by a loved one, the GoFundMe account has already surpassed $1 million as of Thursday morning. Among the countless donations is a recurring monthly payment of $2,500 from actress Zoe Saldaña.
The GoFundMe description reads:
“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. 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.”
With Kimberly and the children facing an uncertain financial future due to medical costs, the donations will help with their living expenses, bills, and children’s education.
The statement ended by saying:
“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.”
Van Der Beek’s Career
Van Der Beek landed his first film credit in the 1995 film Angus, and in 1996 appeared in I Love You, I Love You Not.
Then, in 1998, everything changed when Van Der Beek was cast for Dawson’s Creek. He quickly became a household name and a heartthrob for the young female viewers, with eager cries to meet him in his wake.
During the years Creek was running, Van Der Beek grabbed a couple more film roles, including Varsity Blues, Scary Movie, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. Finally, Dawson’s Creek ended in May 2003.
Van Der Beek followed up that role with a blend of movie and film roles, such as Criminal Minds, Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, Medium, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
In the early 2010s, he played a fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
In more recent years, Van Der Beek starred in CSI: Cyber and appeared on the first season of Pose.
Celebrities’ Heartfelt Tributes
Along with money for the Van Der Beek family, tributes for the actor have been flooding social media from past costars and other celebrities.
Busy Philipps, his Dawson’s Creek co-star, shared photos of the two together on Instagram, writing, “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today. … James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Van Der Beek’s co-star Krysten Ritter from Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 also shared photos of them, writing, “Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathetic, kind, talented and just pure magic – I’m so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken. All my love goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their children.”