Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek bought a $4m Texas ranch with the help of friends a month before he died in order to secure a better future for his family
11:23, 15 Feb 2026Updated 11:23, 15 Feb 2026
The Dawson’s Creek star purchased a $4m Texas ranch with the help of friends to provide a future for his family after his death(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek bought a Texas ranch worth more than $4million in the weeks before his death. The late actor, who died at the age of 48 from colorectal cancer earlier this month, was able to purchase the sprawling ranch with the financial help of close friends.
A representative reportedly said that James wanted his family to move out of rented accommodation to having a more permanent base before he left them.
“James secured down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,” a friend told People.
The family had previously been living in Los Angeles and relocated to Texas five years ago. In the wake of James’ tragic passing, those close to the former TV star set up a GoFundMe account for his wife Kimberly and their six children.
The Dawson’s Creek star purchased a $4m Texas ranch with the help of friends to provide a future for his family after his death(Image: Gofundme)
The Dawson’s Creek star purchased a $4m Texas ranch with the help of friends to provide a future for his family after his death(Image: Gofundme)
READ MORE: M&S shoppers rush to snap up half-price perfume set that sees scents slashed to £2.78
At first, the goal was to reach the sum of $500 but now that figure has turned into an eye watering $2.5m on the back of 48,000 donations with some huge celebrities adding to the pot.
In the months before his death, James had shared how cash-strapped the cancer treatments had left him and his family. He even publicly auctioned off items he’d saved for decades from the roles that defined his career: a tartan buttoned shirt worn in the first episode of Dawson’s Creek, a necklace he gave to Katie Holmes’ character on the teen drama series and sports shoes he wore when he starred in the 1999 film Varsity Blues.
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now,”he told People magazine last November.
James wife Kimberley said the financial cost of his medical bills had been so draining that she and her family were left asking others for help. An explanation as to why the family requested the support from James’ fans around the world, was posted on the site reading: “In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.”
James and Kimberley tied the knot in 2010 and made the decision to rent the property first before buying it to see if they liked the area and the new way of life but never managed to purchase the 36 acre land in full.
According to the GoFundMe page: “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.”
It went on to inform fans: “The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead. 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 page concluded.
Alfonso Ribeiro, who was a close friend of James and is best known for his role in Fresh Prince of Bel Air, paid tribute to the TV star via his social media.
On finding out about James’ death, he penned: “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer.”
He added: “His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride – the highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back.”
Alfonso is godfather to James’ daughter Gwendolyn. He went on to say: “I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family.”
He added: “He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
The Mirror has contacted a representative for James.
Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Threads.