Why James Van Der Beek Got 'Almost Nothing' From ‘Dawson's Creek’ As Friend Claims Bills Were 'Piling Up' Before His Death

James Van Der Beek might be synonymous with one of the biggest teen shows of the late 90s and early 00s, but the late actor’s Dawson’s Creek success didn’t set him up for life.

Van Der Beek, who passed away on February 11 after a battle with colorectal cancer, previously opened up about not making very much money despite his leading role as Dawson Leery in the show.

“There was no residual money,” Van Der Beek told Today in 2012. “I was 20. It was a bad contract. I saw almost nothing from that.” Van Der Beek went on to star in shows like Don’t Trust the B- in Apartment 23 and CSI: Cyber.

A friend of Van Der Beek told NewsNation on February 12 the actor and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek were going through a tough financial period after they moved to Texas with their six children in 2020, limiting his ability to act. “Six kids are very expensive — obviously,” the friend said. “They didn’t live extravagantly, but the bills started piling up.”

After Van Der Beek’s death, a GoFundMe page launched to support Kimberly and the kids disclosed the family’s financial hardship. “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,” reads the description of the GoFundMe, which has attracted over $2 million in donations.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the description continues, referring to daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.

“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 GoFundMe description continues. “The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”

Celebrities from Zoe Saldana to Steven Spielberg donated to the GoFundMe to show their support for Van Der Beek’s family.

Kimberly announced her husband’s death via a heartbreaking Instagram post on February 11, over a year after he first disclosed his diagnosis in November 2024.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote. “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.”