James Van Der Beek Secures Texas Ranch for Family Before Passing

The late actor ensured his wife and six children could remain in their Austin-area home.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away in February 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer, recently secured the future of his family's home in Texas. According to reports, he made a down payment on the 36-acre ranch the family had been renting in Austin, ensuring his wife Kimberly and their six children will be able to remain there.

Why it matters

The move to Texas in 2020 was driven by the Van Der Beek family's desire for a more grounded lifestyle and closer connection to nature. By purchasing the property, James ensured his family would have stability and a place to call home even after his passing.

The details

In 2020, James and Kimberly Van Der Beek made the decision to leave Los Angeles for Austin, Texas, with their six children. The move allowed the family to slow down and connect more deeply with each other and the natural world. Following James' death, friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the family's living expenses and the children's education, which had been strained by the costs of his medical care.

  • In 2020, the Van Der Beek family moved from Los Angeles to a 36-acre ranch in Spicewood, Texas, near Austin.
  • In November 2024, James Van Der Beek publicly revealed his stage III colorectal cancer diagnosis.
  • James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An actor who first gained recognition for his role in the 1998 series 'Dawson's Creek' and later moved his family from Los Angeles to Texas in search of a more grounded lifestyle.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

James Van Der Beek's wife, who will continue living on the family's Texas ranch with their six children after his passing.

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What’s next

The GoFundMe campaign launched by the Van Der Beek family's friends aims to help cover the family's living expenses and the children's education following the financial strain of James' medical care.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of securing a stable home for one's family, even in the face of adversity. James Van Der Beek's foresight in purchasing the Texas ranch ensures his loved ones will have a place to call home and a sense of community support during this difficult time.