A GoFundMe page for James Van Der Beek’s family has reached its goal less than 24 hours after it was created following the death of the beloved “Dawson’s Creek” star, who passed away on February 11 at the age of 48.
The fundraiser, organized by Van der Beek’s friends, had raised $1.58 million as of Thursday afternoon.
The original goal was $500,000, but it was increased to $1.5 million after the GoFundMe page quickly surpassed its original goal with the help of countless fans and celebrities.
Van der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Kimberly, and six children.
A GoFundMe was set up to help cover his family’s essential living expenses, pay bills and support his children’s education. Especially since the late actor’s loved ones are “underfunded” and “face an uncertain future” following his death.
“During his illness, the family did everything possible to support James and provide for his care, and as well as facing mental health challenges, they also faced significant financial burdens,” the page reads.
“Every donation, regardless of size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives.” “Thank you for considering making a gift to support them.”
Here are all the celebrities who donated to Van Der Beek’s family’s GoFundMe.
Zoe Saldaña
Oscar-winning actress Zoe Saldaña has taken the lead in the wake of van der Beek’s shocking death by donating $2,500 a month to his family.
“Wicked” director Jon M. Chu reportedly donated $10,000 to a GoFundMe campaign under the name Jonathan Chu, making him the top donor.
Guy Oseary
Music talent manager and investor Guy Oseary was also named a top donor, donating $10,000 to help Van Der Beek’s family.
Martin Blencowe
Like Chu and O’Seary before him, film producer and Cameo co-founder Martin Blencoe also donated $10,000 to the cause.
Lynn Lia
Lynne Lear, widow of Norman Lear, author of “All in the Family,” donated $5,000 a month to Van Der Beek’s widow and six children.
julie plec
TV producer, writer and director Julie Plec also donated $5,000 to the GoFundMe campaign.
Marla Maples Foundation
The nonprofit organization founded by the Marla Maples Foundation, an actress and Donald Trump’s second wife, donated $5,000.
derek huff
Derek Hough, a professional dancer and “Dancing with the Stars” regular, donated $1,000 to Van Der Beek’s loved ones.
busy phillips
Busy Philipps, who co-starred with Van Der Beek in both Dawson’s Creek and Don’t Trust the B—in Apartment 23, shared a link to his late co-star’s family’s GoFundMe in a touching Instagram tribute.
“I’ll link it to my story so you can give me the money to help them,” Phillips wrote. “James Van Der Beek was a one-in-a-billion person and he will be forever missed.”
Like Phillips, dancer and “Step Up” star Jenna Dewan also directed fans to Van Der Beek’s family’s GoFundMe, where she posted a touching tribute to the late “Labor Day” actor.
“This is so hard. I will miss you forever,” she wrote.
“Love to Kim and the kids,” Dewan wrote. “For anyone who feels like supporting Kimberly and her six children as they navigate this unimaginable path, I have added their GoFundMe to my bio.”
Famed director Steven Spielberg, who was an idol of Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” character, donated $25,000 along with his wife Kate Capshaw.
others
Other celebrities who reportedly donated to Van Der Beek’s loved ones include Emmy-winning actress Ricki Lake, “The Big Bang Theory” alum Kaley Cuoco, model Lydia Hearst and model Miranda Kerr.
