James Van Der Beek's friends have spoken out after a GoFundMe set up in his memory surpassed $2 million.
The beloved American actor sadly died at the age of just 48 on Wednesday (11 February) after being diagnosed with bowel cancer, and it later came to light that his family were struggling in the wake of the eye-watering medical costs his cancer treatment had brought.
His family wrote: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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."
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Van Der Beek, who was best known for starring in the 90s and early noughties show Dawson's Creek, shared six children with his wife Kimberly, and a fundraiser was soon set up to support his family after his tragic death.
That fundraiser, at the time of writing, has reached around $2.2 million, well over the initial $1.5 million target.
His friends who set it up have now shared a message to everyone who has contributed and shared their support for Van Der Beek's family after what has undoubtedly been one of the hardest weeks of their life.
They said: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family.
"Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.
“Your respect and understanding will give them the room they need to heal,” the statement continues.
“Please continue to keep James’s wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for honouring his life with compassion, generosity, and love.”
The success of the fundraiser goes to show just how much the actor was loved across the world, with his former co-star Katie Holmes also paying an emotional tribute after his death.
She wrote: "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.
"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 other's hearts are safe in their expression..."
Van Der Beek, who also appeared in hit comedy series such as How I Met Your Mother and Ugly Betty, first revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2024 but continued to act.
His family may well rest a little easier knowing that their financial burdens have been eased, as well as having further evidence of just how much James was appreciated by millions of people.
Topics: Bowel cancer, GoFundMe, Celebrity, Health, Cancer
James Moorhouse