James Van Der Beek’s loved ones have expressed gratitude over the outpouring of support to the GoFundMe page created in the wake of the late star’s death.
The Dawson Creek actor’s passing at age 48 was confirmed by his family on social media on Wednesday following his battle with stage three colorectal cancer.
Fans as well as celebrities have since broken their silence on his death by mourning the loss through emotional tributes.
Close friends also launched the GoFundMe on Wednesday to help raise donations for Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly and their six children after his health battle ‘left the family out of funds.’
As of Friday, the page has raised over $2 million in donations and the organizers sent a message saying it has been ‘a light’ for his loved ones.
‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,’ friends of Van Der Beek wrote. ‘Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words.
James Van Der Beek’s loved ones have expressed gratitude over the outpouring of support to the GoFundMe page created in the wake of the late star’s death; seen in 2020
Close friends also launched the GoFundMe on Wednesday to help raise donations for Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly and their six children after his health battle ‘left the family out of funds’
‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,’ friends of Van Der Beek wrote. ‘Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words’
‘In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.’
The message added that the late star’s family is ‘taking time to mourn and be with one another.’
Friends further asked for ‘space and privacy’ for Kimberly and their kids so they have ‘the room they need to heal’ amid ‘this painful season.’
The statement concluded with, ‘Please continue to keep James’s wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love.’
Van Der Beek had married Kimberly in 2010 and they welcomed six children together: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.
The goal on GoFundMe had been set at $1.5 million but that number was quickly surpassed as generous donations poured in.
Zoe Saldana notably contributed $2,500 – and will continue to donate that same number monthly.
Filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw made a $25,000 donation to Van Der Beek’s family.
The statement concluded with, ‘Please continue to keep James’s wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love’; seen in May 2025 in L.A.
Van Der Beek had married Kimberly in 2010 and they welcomed six children together: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four
Zoe Saldana notably contributed $2,500 – and will continue to donate that same number monthly
Van Der Beek’s character in Dawson’s Creek had been a big fan of Spielberg in the series.
Caldera Lab gave $50,000 while Guardant Health matched Spielberg’s donation of $25,000.
Guardant Health has a mission for ‘helping patients at all stages of cancer live longer and healthier lives through the power of blood tests and the data they unlock,’ per the company’s official website.
Wicked director Jonathan Chu donated $10,000 while talent manager Guy Oseary gave the same number.
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media.
It read, ‘Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.’
Van Der Beek had announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media
A source previously told the Daily Mail that he ‘had not been in treatment for a while because there was nothing more the doctors could do, the cancer was aggressive.’
Alfonso Ribeiro gave a glimpse into the actor’s final moments as he was seen by Van Der Beek’s side shortly before his passing in a photo.
‘This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,’ he wrote. ‘My last moment was making him laugh one last time.’
The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air alum is also notably godfather to Van Der Beek and Kimberly’s daughter Gwendolyn.
Ribeiro also shared another emotional tribute to his close friend after the news of his death came to light.
Other fans and celebrities mourned his loss on social media and sent condolences to his loved ones.
Some of his Dawson’s Creek castmates paid tribute to the late star including Katie Holmes who shared an emotional letter to Instagram.
She admitted that his death is ‘a lot to process’ before sending love to Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly and their children.
Van Der Beek had announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024
Alfonso Ribeiro gave a glimpse into the actor’s final moments as he was seen by Van Der Beek’s side shortly before his passing in a photo
‘This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,’ he wrote. ‘My last moment was making him laugh one last time’
‘James. Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression…,’ Holmes had penned in a handwritten note.
The actress further reflected on memories they had shared while working on Dawson’s Creek together.
Holmes continued, ‘Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art – creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children – the journey of a Hero.
‘I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.’
She concluded with, ‘To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with Love and compassion.’
Other former co-stars including Busy Philipps and Chad Michael Murray also mourned the loss on social media.
Some of his Dawson’s Creek castmates paid tribute to the late star including Katie Holmes who shared an emotional letter to Instagram
On Thursday, Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly reposted a video of Alana Springsteen singing a cover of Paula Cole’s track I Don’t Want To Wait – which was the Dawson’s Creek theme song
Springsteen uploaded the clip to Instagram alongside the caption: ‘rip james van der beek this loss hit me hard today’
On Thursday, Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly reposted a video of Alana Springsteen singing a cover of Paula Cole’s track I Don’t Want To Wait – which was the Dawson’s Creek theme song.
Springsteen uploaded the clip to Instagram alongside the caption: ‘rip james van der beek this loss hit me hard today.
‘so much girlhood was lived to the backdrop of his work. praying for his beautiful family,’ she added before encouraging her followers to visit the GoFundMe page.
Cole replied to the cover and added in the comment section, ‘So beautiful. Tears and more tears. Thank you for honoring James and his family.’
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