The outpouring of support for James Van Der Beek‘s family has been massive.
Less than 24 hours after his death was announced Wednesday, a GoFundMe created for his widow Kimberly and their six children has raised over $1.2 million and continues to climb. As of Thursday morning, more than 24,000 donations have poured in from fans and big-name friends alike.
‘Dancing with the Stars’ pro Derek Hough donated $1,000, Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña sent in $2,500, the Marla Maples Foundation contributed $5,000, and both Lyn Lear (late Norman Lear’s wife) and YouTuber Codie Sanchez each pledged $5,000 on a monthly basis. TMZ has not verified the donations, but it’s clear Van Der Beek’s death hit people hard.
TMZ broke the news that the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star died Wednesday morning, with his family confirming he passed “peacefully.” Tributes from heartbroken friends poured in, with former pro wrestler Stacy Keibler sharing a photo of him watching the sunset from his wheelchair, reflecting on his “final days.”
Van Der Beek, best known for ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Varsity Blues,’ was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in mid-2023 and revealed it publicly in November 2024. His ongoing treatment was both emotionally and financially draining. He even auctioned off iconic memorabilia to fund care. Kimberly wrote on the family’s GoFundMe page that his “medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.”