TV insider explains James Van Der Beek's financial woes A source has explained James Van Der Beek's financial issues. 18 February 2026 James Van Der Beek is unlikely to have had a "piece of the profit" from Dawson's Creek. James Van Der Beek's family have launched a GoFundMe The actor passed away on February 11, aged 48, and despite his success on the hit TV show, James experienced financial troubles towards the end of his life.