Warner Bros./Everett Collection
James Van Der Beekpreviously opened up about how he got "almost nothing" fromDawson's Creekresiduals, which helps explain why his family is currently struggling financially in the wake of his death.
"There was no residual money," Van Der Beek toldTODAY.comin 2012. "I was 20. It was a bad contract. I saw almost nothing from that."
Van Der Beek starred as the titular teen onDawson's Creekfor all six seasons, from 1998 through 2003. He revealed in that same 2012 interview that he decided to star inDon't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23"when the [Dawson's Creek] money ran out," and he realized he needed to "buckle down" and sign on to projects to provide for his wife, Kimberly, and six children.
"It is very easy if you have all the money in the world to just sit back and coast," Van Der Beek said at the time. "But if you realized that you are going to have to start providing for yourself and for your family, it really forces you to buckle down."
Sony Pictures / Courtesy Everett Collection
Kimberly announcedVan Der Beek died Wednesday at age 48after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," said her statement, which she shared on his social media accounts. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
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According to theCDC, colorectal cancer has the second-highest treatment cost of any cancer, amounting to 11.6 percent of all cancer treatment costs. In addition, individual patient costs are the highest for the last year of life ($110,100 on average).
Friends set up aGoFundMethat same day on behalf of the family detailing the "significant financial strain" of Van Der Beek's medical costs and the "uncertain future" for his wife and six children in the wake of his death.
In just one day, nearly $1.8 million had been raised to pay for the family's essential living expenses, bills, the children's education, and to "stay in their home."
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Before his death, Van Der Beek spent monthsauctioning off items from some of his most iconic roles,includingDawson's CreekandVarsity Blues,to help pay for his medical care.
"I've been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it's clear that the time is now," the actor toldPEOPLEin November 2025. "While I have some nostalgia tugging at me as I part with these items, it feels good to be able to offer them through Propstore's auction to share with those who have supported my work over the years."
Read the original article onEntertainment Weekly
