James Van Der Beek’s Rep Says Friends Helped Buy $4.7 Million Ranch Amid GoFundMe Backlash

James Van Der Beek in 'Dawson's Creek' — Everett Collection

What To Know

James Van Der Beek’s friends helped him secure the down payment for a $4.7 million Texas ranch through a trust before his death from colorectal cancer at age 48.
His family faces financial difficulties due to medical expenses, prompting a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2.6 million, including a $25,000 donation from Steven Spielberg.
Despite starring in Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek revealed he earned little from the show, and he is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children.

James Van Der Beek‘s friends helped the Dawson’s Creek star with the down payment for his $4.7 million Texas ranch before his death, the actor’s rep confirmed.

In the wake of Van Der Beek’s death at 48 on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer, his rep set the record straight about the actor’s home.

“James secured [a] down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,” the rep told People on February 14.

The news came amid backlash on social media as a GoFundMe campaign for Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six kids surpassed $2.6 million. One of the highest contributors, Steven Spielberg, donated a staggering $25,000.

“Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” the fundraising campaign’s description read.

It continued, “In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. 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.”

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In November, Van Der Beek auctioned off Dawson’s Creek memorabilia amid his cancer treatment. He announced his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, after privately battling the disease since his August 2023 diagnosis.

Van Der Beek told Today in 2012 that he received “no residual money” from Dawson’s Creek. He explained, “I was 20. It was a bad contract. I saw almost nothing from that.”

Dawson’s Creek aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003. In addition to Van Der Beek, the series starred Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Mary Beth Peil, Kerr Smith, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, and John Wesley Shipp.

In addition to his wife, Kimberly — whom he married in 2010 — Van Der Beek is survived by their children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.

Dawson’s Creek, streaming on Netflix, Tubi, Hulu, and Disney+