James Van Der Beek told the world cancer “reinvigorated his love” for acting six months before it killed him.
The Dawson’s Creek icon died February 11, 2026, at 48 after a brutal stage 3 colorectal cancer fight that destroyed his health and bank account. His wife Kimberly Van Der Beek now faces raising six children alone with depleted savings and a home she might lose.
A GoFundMe launched by friends crossed $1 million in 24 hours after revealing the devastating financial reality: “The costs of James’s medical care have left the family out of funds”.
What We Know Now
- Date of passing: February 11, 2026
- Age: 48 years old
- Cancer type: Stage 3 colorectal
- Years battling: 2.5 years (diagnosed August 2023)
- Public revelation: November 2024 (kept secret 15 months)
- Children: 6 kids, all school-age
- Money raised (first 24 hours): Over $1 million
- Campaign goal: $1.3 million
The Hollywood Family He Left Behind
Busy Philipps didn’t just post condolences—she pushed her 2.4 million followers to donate immediately. “James was one in a billion and he will be forever missed,” she wrote, acknowledging the harsh truth that fame doesn’t prevent medical bankruptcy.
Alfonso Ribeiro, godfather to Van Der Beek’s daughter Gwen, revealed he said goodbye just last weekend. He watched “this rollercoaster of highs when it looked like he had it beat, to the soul-breaking lows of it coming back”.
Krysten Ritter, his “Don’t Trust the B—-“ co-star, called him “pure magic” and an “empath”. Kerr Smith wrote: “I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother”.
Chad Michael Murray: “James was a giant. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us”.
Sarah Michelle Gellar: “James’s legacy will always live on—this is a loss not just for your family but for the world”.
Austin Nichols: “As an actor, friend, and father I know he was even more beautiful and inspiring”.
He Was Selling His Past to Afford His Future
Nobody realized Van Der Beek was financially desperate until after his death. Throughout 2025, he quietly auctioned Dawson’s Creek memorabilia—costumes, props, set pieces he’d stored for decades.
He sold the Varsity Blues jerseys that made him a 90s icon. “With all the recent unexpected twists and turns, it feels like that time is now,” he told People about liquidating his Hollywood treasures.
He promised portions would help other cancer families. Now his own family needs that same help.
His Most Emotional Public Moment
During a 2024 Good Morning America appearance, Van Der Beek broke down discussing Kimberly’s sacrifice. “She’s amazing. She really taught me what unconditional love is,” he told Robin Roberts through tears.
He admitted cancer forced him to ask for help for the first time in his life. “The beautiful blessing of that has been seeing how many people in my life have shown up,” he said.
That vulnerability made the GoFundMe easier for friends to launch—he’d already normalized asking for support.
The Warning Signs Everyone Missed
Van Der Beek was diagnosed in August 2023 but kept it secret until November 2024. By September 2025, the cracks were showing.
He missed a Dawson’s Creek reunion reading, blaming “two stomach viruses” that caused significant weight loss. Those were cancer complications, friends now realize.
He continued working through it all—filming The Masked Singer in 2025 and shooting Amazon’s “Overcompensating”. In his final interview with USA TODAY, he admitted having “good days and bad days” but refused to quit acting.
Why Young People Should Pay Attention
Van Der Beek was only 45 at diagnosis—younger than most screening guidelines. Colorectal cancer is surging among Americans under 50 for reasons doctors don’t fully understand.
He became an advocate before his death, partnering with Guardant Health to promote the FDA-approved Shield blood test for early detection. He caught his cancer through a colonoscopy—still the gold standard.
His case proves that youth, fitness, and celebrity don’t protect against this disease. Early screening saves lives.
The Legacy He Leaves
Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek transformed from a “very shy kid” into a 1990s phenomenon playing Dawson Leery from 1998-2003. His role defined teen television for an entire generation.
His official Instagram announced: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning”. The family stated he faced “his final days with courage, faith, and grace”.
The GoFundMe for Kimberly and the six children remains active as donations continue. Fans and friends are rallying to provide the stability Van Der Beek couldn’t despite 20 years of Hollywood earnings—a sobering reminder that medical debt destroys families regardless of fame.
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