James Van Der Beek's Family GoFundMe Surpasses $1 Million in Donations

The fans showed up and showed out for James Van Der Beek.

Less than 24 hours after Van Der Beek's widow announced the news of the beloved Dawson's Creek star's death at 48 Wednesday, following a battle with colorectal cancer, a GoFundMe set up for the actor's family has raised more than $1 million.

The GoFundMe, which was created by friends of the Van Der Beek family, aimed to raise money for the late actor's wife, Kimberly, and their six kids following his tragic death, after they were forced to spend the majority of their funds on Van Der Beek's cancer treatments.

"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," a statement on the fundraiser's page read.

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 hope is that the fundraiser will help Kimberly and Van Der Beek's children, daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4, as they navigate life without their father.

"Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education," the statement continued. "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."

Now sitting at a sum of more than $1.5 million, the goal for the GoFundMe was originally set at $250,000, but grew as more and more donations came in Wednesday.

So far, over 26,000 donations have been pledged — from fans and celebrities alike — 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 other celebrities also helped, including Zoe Saldana, who donated a monthly payment of $2,500, according to a post on X. Derek Hough and Wonder Years alum, Danica McKellar, also made a contribution to the fund, according to comments McKellar made on Hough's Instagram tribute to Van Der Beek.

The spike in the GoFundMe is due in large part to celebrities who spread the word about the donations, following a slew of tributes to the actor, including from his Dawson's Creek costars, with Busy Philipps labeling Van Der Beek "one in a billion," before directing fans to the family's GoFundMe page.

I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i'll put the link in my stories.

Katie Holmes, meanwhile, wrote that she was "so grateful to have shared in a piece of James' journey," calling him "beloved," as she pledged her unyielding support for the late actor's wife and kids following his passing.

He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.

To see more tributes to Van Der Beek, click here.

Birthdate March 8, 1977

Birthplace Cheshire, Connecticut, USA

Height 6 feet 0 inches

Professions Actor, Producer, Writer