Celebrities Rally to Support James Van Der Beek's Family After His Death

Steven Spielberg, Kate Capshaw, and others donate over $1.8 million to GoFundMe for the late actor's family.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Following the death of actor James Van Der Beek at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, a GoFundMe page has been set up to support his wife Kimberly and their six children. Prominent figures like director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw have donated $25,000 each, while Wicked director Jon M. Chu gave $10,000, adding to the over $1.8 million raised so far from more than 35,000 donations.

Why it matters

James Van Der Beek was best known for his starring role as Dawson Leery on the hit TV series Dawson's Creek, and his sudden passing has deeply impacted both his fans and the entertainment community. The outpouring of support for his family highlights the financial strain they faced during his illness and the importance of community aid in such difficult times.

The details

The GoFundMe page, created by 'Friends of the Van Der Beek family', states that the family experienced significant financial challenges throughout James Van Der Beek's battle with cancer, leaving them in need of support to stay in their home and ensure their children's education and stability. The page lists Kimberly Van Der Beek, James' wife, as the beneficiary.

  • James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, February 13, 2026.
  • In 2024, James Van Der Beek revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis to People magazine.

The players

James Van Der Beek

A well-known actor best known for his starring role as Dawson Leery on the TV series Dawson's Creek, as well as roles in films like Varsity Blues and TV shows such as Mercy, One Tree Hill, and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. He passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

The wife of James Van Der Beek and the beneficiary of the GoFundMe page set up to support the family after his death.

Steven Spielberg

A renowned film director who, along with his wife Kate Capshaw, donated $25,000 to the GoFundMe page for the Van Der Beek family.

Kate Capshaw

The wife of director Steven Spielberg, who together with her husband donated $25,000 to the GoFundMe page for the Van Der Beek family.

Jon M. Chu

The director of the musical film Wicked, who donated $10,000 to the GoFundMe page for the Van Der Beek family.

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What’s next

The GoFundMe page will remain open to accept additional donations to support the Van Der Beek family during this difficult time.

The takeaway

The outpouring of support from celebrities and fans alike for the Van Der Beek family highlights the importance of community aid and the financial strain that can accompany a prolonged illness. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the need for accessible healthcare and resources to support families facing such challenges.