A GoFundMe page for James Van Der Beek has reached more than US$1 million in donations less than 24 hours after the actor's death. Van Der Beek, known for his roles in '90s TV drama Dawson's Creek and movie Varsity Blues, died on Wednesday at the age of 48, just over a year after being diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Shortly after news of his death spread, Van Der Beek's friends created a GoFundMe page for his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. 0:32 James Van Der Beek, 'Dawson's Creek' star, dead at 48 Kimberly shared the link to the fundraising page on her Instagram stories, writing, "My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart." Story continues below advertisement View image in full screen A screenshot of Kimberly Van Der Beek's Instagram stories. @VanderKimberly / Instagram The GoFundMe page said that the Van Der Beek family "faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care" throughout his illness."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," the page reads.
The Van Der Beek family is asking for the "support of friends, family, and the wider community" as they navigate the road ahead. Donations to the page will help cover "essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education." Story continues below advertisement "Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives," the page reads.
The GoFundMe post had raised more than $1.3 million of its $1.5-million goal from more than 27,000 donations as of Thursday morning.
Several notable people in Hollywood have donated to Van Der Beek's GoFundMe, including Wicked director Jon M. Chu, who donated $10,000, and Cameo co-founder Martin Blencowe, who also donated $10,000. Oscar-winning actor Zoe Saldana donated $2,500 on a monthly basis and Lyn Lear, Norman Lear's widow, also donated $5,000 on a monthly basis. 2:22 James Van Der Beek reveals cancer diagnosis Van Der Beek's family announced his death in an Instagram post, writing, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." Story continues below advertisement "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," the statement continued. View this post on InstagramMany stars mourned the loss of Van Der Beek with heartfelt tributes, including his former Dawson's Creek co-stars Katie Holmes and Sasha Alexander. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. Holmes, who starred as Joey Potter in Dawson's Creek, shared a handwritten letter to Van Der Beek on Instagram."James Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred - breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others' hearts are safe in their expression... These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth," Holmes wrote. Story continues below advertisement "I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James' journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children," she wrote in the caption of her post. View this post on InstagramAlexander, who played Gretchen Witter in the series, said what made Dawson's Creek special was "the man who played him.""James was a deep, thoughtful soul. He took his work seriously, not out of ego, but out of care. He cared about doing things well and he never took any of it for granted. But more than anything, he cared about people. He cared about his family. He cared about showing up fully," she wrote. Story continues below advertisement "I will always be grateful that I got to stand in his light for a little while. That I got to laugh with him, go to prom with Dawson and grow up alongside him. He will live on in our memories, and in the kindness he left behind." View this post on InstagramMary-Margaret Humes, who played Van Der Beek's mother on Dawson's Creek, wrote, "Rarely am I at a loss for words ... today would be the exception.""James,