Trending Now: Hollywood Stars Help James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe Soars – Fans React

James Van Der Beek‘s death has set his GoFundMe support rolling in from all angles.

Friends of the actor have set up the crowdfunding page to raise revenue for the family he left behind. His health battle hit their pockets hard in his later days, notably his choice to auction off some of his “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia to help with his cancer treatment.

James Van Der Beek passed away at 48 after his long-time battle with colorectal cancer. He was diagnosed with the disease in August 2023, but did not disclose it until over a year later. News of his last breath made headlines on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe Hits All-Time High 

Less than 24 hours after Van Der Beek’s death, his GoFundMe has raised over a million dollars and counting. Many members of the industry have been pouring into the fund, donating thousands for the family. 

So far, more than 20,000 donations have rolled in from fans and friends alike. Big Hollywood stars have made notable contributions running up to $5000 form singular sources.

“Special Ops: Lioness” star Zoe Saldana reportedly used her married name Zoe Saldaña-Perego to send $2500, “Dancing with the Stars” pro Derek Hough donated $1,000, and the Marla Maples Foundation dropped $5000.

TMZ shared that even though the donations have not been verified, the amounts coming in are evident, and that people are touched by the actor’s passing.

Other gasping donations came from Lyn Lear, the late Norman Lear‘s wife, and YouTuber Codie Sanchez, each of whom donated $5,000 on a monthly basis.

The late actor’s wife, Kimberly, wrote on the family’s GoFundMe page that his “medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.” This, in turn, stirred up the hearts of many to keep on giving.

The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star Passed Away Peacefully

Well known for his character, Dawson Leery, in the hit series “Dawson’s Creek,“ Van Der Beek’s death was announced on Wednesday morning in a soulful post on social media. His wife noted that he went on peacefully without specifying the actual cause of death.

The news of his death not only sparked monetary donations but also emotional support from his colleagues and fans. Many wrote tributes and sent condolences to his wife and six kids, whom he left behind.

Former pro wrestler, Stacy Keibler, bid the actor RIP by posting a photo of him in a wheelchair watching the sunset and reflecting on his final days.

Emotional support for Kimberly comes in handy as his cancer treatment affected them financially as well as emotionally. Other actors reflected on the times they spent with Van Der Beek during his health battles and working in the industry.

Supports Rolled In For The Actor Before His Death

Early this year, the late entertainer’s colleague Paul Walter Hauser led a campaign, patterned with an organization to raise funds for his cancer treatments.

This move came shortly after VanDerBeek shared that he had to auction some of his property from old acting jobs to raise funds for his medical bills. Hauser disclosed that he was collaborating with Cameo to raise the funds with a target to reach $20,000 by March 1 through recorded Cameo videos.

The Blast noted that Hauser was deeply touched when he heard what the “Dawson’s Creek“ star was going through, and this prompted his decision. He thought of his colleague’s situation, putting himself in his shoes, and realized it to be an unpleasant experience.

“I am an actor and father of 3 children, and I want them to inherit my trinkets/wardrobe/memorabilia someday. I wouldn’t want to auction off a Stingray shirt or Marvel script to make ends meet for treatment,“ Hauser said.

Not only did Hauser request for public participation on his content to raise the funds, but he also planned to auction some personal belongings of fellow celebrities, including Jimmy Kimmel and Josh Gad.

Sony Pictures Slammed For Not Assisting The Late Entertainer

Many members of the online community could not hold back their feelings after Van Der Beek’s death made headlines. Many fans called out Sony Pictures, which owns “Dawson’s Creek,“ for not providing financial aid to the star of the hit show amid his cancer battle.

The Blast shared that netizens stated that, considering how popular the show was and the fact that it still generates some form of revenue over the years, offering money to offset the medical bills would have been a no-brainer for the company.

Yashar Ali, penned on X, “There was absolutely no reason Sony Pictures (which owns Dawson’s Creek) couldn’t have quietly paid for his treatment, considering how much the show has made for them over the years, long after it ended.”

A user commented cussing Sony Pictures out for not offering help to the late actor’s family during their time of need, and many supported the point of view.

James Van Der Beek Had To Part Ways With ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Memorabilia

As the bills kept piling up, Van Der Beek had to make the decision to auction off several items from his personal collection to raise money for his treatments. He reportedly teamed up with Propstore for its Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction scheduled to take place December 5–7, 2025.

As reported by The Blast, every penny from the auction was set to go towards funding for his treatment. Several pieces were listed, including wardrobe pieces and set items from his two hit shows, “Dawson’s Creek and “Varsity Blues.”

The necklace Dawson gifted Joey for prom was listed and estimated to sell for $26,400 to $52,800, and his iconic flannel shirt, which he wore for several episodes throughout the show.

The cleats the actor wore during games in “Varsity Blues, and the iconic West Canaan Coyotes hat also made the auction list. The actor expressed that parting with the items was a bittersweet experience for him.

Rest In Peace, James Van Der Beek!