Noted actor James Van Der Beek had a long battle with colorectal cancer before he passed away on Wednesday at the age of 48. In his ardous health crisis, the actor wasn't only struggling with many treatments and medications, but was also left financially weak towards the end of last year, which led to him auctioning off his select memorabilia from his hit show Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues film.
Following the actor's death, a GoFundMe account was created by his friends who sought help from fans and communities across the world to help his wife Kimberly and their six children as it "left the family out of funds." The statement in the page further read that they are facing an uncertain future and are working hard to "stay in their home." "They are trying to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time," it further read. Within hours of their post, the account reached over $1 million in funds.
In December last year, Van Der Beek raised $47,000 for his cancer treatment after selling items from his shows and movies, including Dawson's Creek. The memorabilia included props, set pieces and wardrobe from his time on the show. Later, he also auctioned his jerseys from Varsity Blues.
Fans who have been devastated following the actor's death, took to social media to share their grief and also voice out their concerns regarding the rising costs of healthcare in the US. Many noted how his battle with cancer wiped away almost his entire life savings.
While Der Beek got the cancer diagnosis in 2023, he only disclosed it to the world a year later. He later revealed that he had stage three bowel cancer, meaning it had already spread to the lymph nodes adjacent to the bowel. However, his diagnosis had not deterred his spirit from continuing to work in projects. Even recently, he made a guest appearance in Prime Video's Overcompensating.
James Van Der Beek played Dawson Leery in Dawson's Creek, opposite Katie Holmes. The show ran for six seasons from January 1998 to May 2003. The actor made a virtual appearance as the Dawson's Creek cast, including Michelle Williams, Holmes, Busy Philipps and Joshua Jackson, reunited for a September 2025 fundraiser after he had to withdraw from the in-person event, because of his stomach virus issue. Der Beek is also known for the television series What Would Diplo Do?
He also portrayed a fictional Der Beek in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, which has become a cult TV show over the years, and performed on Dancing with the Stars' 28th season.