What Happened to James Van Der Beek’s ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Money? The Sad Truth
What To Know
- James Van Der Beek died after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer, leaving his family in financial distress.
- Despite his fame from Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek received little financial benefit from the show.
Actor James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, February 11, following a two-year fight with colorectal cancer. Treatments for colorectal cancer are among the most expensive in the United States, and the financial toll left his family in serious distress.
According to a GoFundMe page organized by friends of the Dawson’s Creek actor and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, extensive medical costs chipped away at their resources, leaving the family “out of funds.” The couple shared a household with their six children, who range in age from 4 to 15.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the GoFundMe explains. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
Since the announcement of the GoFundMe, donations from fans and friends have been pouring in to help the family. Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, donated $25,000, while celebs and stars like Wicked director Jon M. Chu, Zoe Saldana, Derek Hough, Miranda Kerr, Julie Plec, and more have also pledged to help.
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But the big question was why? Why did a famous actor who was on several big TV shows and films need a helping hand?
The answer is not only tragic, but points out the massive flaws in the nation’s health care system.
According to the CDC, in the United States, 147,931 new cases of colorectal cancer were reported in 2022, and 53,779 people died of it in 2023. Colorectal cancer has the second-highest treatment cost of any cancer, accounting for 11.6% of all cancer treatment costs. Average per-patient costs for medical services were highest for the last year of life at around $110,100, followed by the initial care phase, which was estimated at $66,500, and the continuing care phase, which was about $6,200.
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Back in 2012, Van Der Beek revealed in an interview with Today that he was “paid almost nothing” for Dawson’s Creek during its five-year run. “There was no residual money,” he told Today. “I was 20. It was a bad contract. I saw almost nothing from that.”
He said he signed on for Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 “when the [Dawson’s Creek] money ran out.”
Furthermore, Van Der Beek didn’t receive residuals from his time on the teen drama. Rachel True, who guest-starred with him on two episodes of Dawson’s Creek, wrote on a post on X: “TV shows not on ABC, CBS, or NBC are considered already ‘syndicated’ & all that means they don’t have to pay proper residuals to actors. It F’s actors like James out of their deserved financial security & proper legacy,” she wrote.
TV shows not on ABC, CBS, or NBC are considered already ‘syndicated’ & all that means they don’t have to pay proper residuals to actors
It F’s actors like James out of their deserved financial security & proper legacy
~I did 2 eps of Dawson’s Creek He was a delight 🕊️ https://t.co/7GKmEsQsla
— Rachel True (@RachelTrue) February 12, 2026
Earlier this year, Van Der Beek began auctioning off his Dawson’s Creek memorabilia, among other props from his legacy, to help with treatment costs, which raised almost $50k. To help with additional costs, the cast of Dawson’s Creek reunited in September to raise money for the family.
Van Der Beek’s illness underscored the harsh realities of the American health care system, where a severe illness can lead to overwhelming financial consequences. His experience served as a sobering reminder of how quickly a serious medical condition can place anyone in economic strain.
TV Insider