A GoFundMe collection set up following the death of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has raised over $2m (£1.5m) in just two days.
The 48-year-old actor died on Wednesday, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023.
He rose to fame playing Dawson Leery in the popular US drama Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003, and followed a group of high school friends and the highs and lows of their friendships and romances.
High-profile names, including director Steven Spielberg and actress Zoe Saldana, were among those who donated to the fundraiser set up to assist Van Der Beek’s wife and six children.
Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw made a one-off donation of $25,000 (£18,000). While Van Der Beek and Spielberg never worked together, the actor’s character in Dawson’s Creek famously idolised the director and had posters of his movies up on his bedroom wall.
Guardians Of The Galaxy star Saldana pledged $2,500 (£1,800) a month, while Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M Chu pledged $10,000 (£7,300), as did talent manager Guy Oseary.
The GoFundMe campaign, set up by friends of the Van Der Beek family to support Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, posted a thank you message which read: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family. Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words.
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“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 GoFundMe page, which featured photos of Van Der Beek and his family, explained that the actor’s family faced “not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain” during his illness.
It said: “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.”
It said donations would go towards essential living expenses and the support of his children’s education.
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Sharing ‘adventures of a unique youth’
On Tuesday, Katie Holmes, who starred opposite Van Der Beek in Dawson’s Creek, paid tribute to his “bravery” and “selflessness,” posting a handwritten letter on Instagram.
She said they had shared “laughter”, “conversations about life”, and “adventures of a unique youth”.
Alongside Van Der Beek and Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson made up the core cast of four, playing Jen Lindley and Pacey Witter, respectively.
Dawson’s Creek actors Busy Philipps, Kerr Smith and Mary-Margaret Humes, as well as the show’s creator Kevin Williamson, were also among those who paid their respects.
Actress Heather McComb, who was married to Van Der Beek between 2003 and 2010, said she was “heartbroken” at the news of his death.
‘What a journey’
“I am especially heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly, his beautiful children and his amazing family, Jim, Jared, Juliana and all of his family and friends who I know he loved deeply,” she captioned an Instagram photo of the pair at her 21st birthday.
She added: “What a journey we shared over the years. I sit here in immense gratitude for the special connection, friendship and love that James and I shared that has endured through decades.
“I will treasure the last loving words we exchanged. James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him.”
Van Der Beek remarried to wife, Kimberly, in 2010.
His film credits include the 1999 cult classic Varsity Blues, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Big Bang and Labor Day.
Van Der Beek also starred in the film Varsity Blues, in which he played Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, the backup quarterback of a high school football team, and played a parody version of himself in the sitcom Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23.
