James Van Der Beek’s $2M GoFundMe Explained
James Van Der Beek’s fans and famous friends are rallying around his family. Following the “Dawson’s Creek” star’s passing from colorectal cancer on Feb. 11 at age 48, a GoFundMe set up for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children has raised $2 million to date – thanks in part to donations from A-listers including Steven Spielberg, the favorite director of James’ TV alter ego, Dawson Leery. As the GoFundMe page explains, the costs of his medical care were draining for the family, and the money raised will go to Kimberly and the kids as they rebuild their lives. After being diagnosed, James was candid about his expenses, telling “Good Morning America” about selling his jerseys from “Varsity Blues.” While playing Dawson for five seasons catapulted James into stardom, money didn’t automatically come with success. In 2012, he talked about his financial struggles as a young actor with Today.com, saying: “I was 20. It was a bad contract. I saw almost nothing from that.” And he spoke out in 2023, educating fans about the realities of the SAG and writers’ strikes at the time.
2 Comments
It’s unreal to think he’s gone. James Van Der Beek was a huge part of my generation. Bringing us the ever wise, poetic, creative Dawson was bigger than he could have ever imagined. Never missed an episode. He seemed like such a good, genuine man. He will be missed. The smile he kept on his face throughout his life and even his battle will never be erased from our memories. You were too young to leave, rest in peace James. FOREVER OUR DAWSON. 💜🙏🏻
Gives you an idea of medical costs. He had a reported net worth of $3 million dollars or so, probably more
Drained his entire bank account in 1 year.