Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek died last week, at the age of 48. He had previously been diagnosed with bowel cancer. Weeks before his death, James bought the ranch his family had rented for years. Now. new details about the puchase – and how friends helped him pay – has come to light,
The entertainment world is in mourning following the heartbreaking loss of James Van Der Beek, who had been quietly battling colorectal (bowel) cancer before his death.
The beloved actor chose to go public with his diagnosis in 2024, hoping to raise awareness about the disease which is increasingly affecting younger people. At the time, Van Der Beek spoke several times in interviws about his treatment, which included surgery and chemotherapy while trying to be a dedicated husband and father.
Following news of his passing, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow celebrities alike. Among those honoring his memory was his Dawson’s Creek co-star Katie Holmes, who shared a deeply moving message.
In her tribute, she wrote of her late friend:
“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
Other close friends also shared intimate photos from the final days of Van Der Beek’s life—quiet moments filled with love, reflection, and togetherness.
James Van Der Beek’s ranch
In recent years, Van Der Beek had stepped away from Hollywood life, choosing instead to focus on his family. He spent his final years on a ranch outside Austin, living there with his wife Kimberly and their six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, along with sons Joshua, 13, and four-year-old Jeremiah.
The family relocated from Beverly Hills, California, in 2020, initially renting the property. In a bittersweet turn of events, Van Der Beek finalized the purchase of the ranch just weeks before his death.
Friends reportedly helped make that possible by setting up a trust for the Varsity Blues star, a representative confirmed to People Magazine.
Property records cited by Realtor.com states that the 36-acre ranch was purchased for $4.8 million through a Limited Liability Company managed by a California attorney. The sale is believed to have taken place off-market, as there was no public listing prior to the purchase.
“James secured a down payment for the Texas ranch for the family with the help of friends through a trust so they could shift from rent to mortgage,” the rep told the outlet.
The sprawling property includes a main house, multiple cabins, a pool, and sweeping views of the Pedernales River, offering a peaceful retreat where Van Der Beek hoped his family could continue to heal and grow.
Hiow friends helped him pay for it, weeks before his death
In the wake of his passing, a GoFundMe page was created to help cover outstanding medical expenses, as the family now faces what organizers describe as “significant financial strain.”
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 support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead,” the decribtion read.
At the time of writing, an incredible $2.6 million had been raised. Among the donors were legendary movie director Steven Spielberg and his wife, actress Kate Capshaw, who contributed $25,000.
“James’s spirit continues to bring people together”
In an update shared on February 12, the page creator expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,” they wrote. “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.”
Van Der Beek’s legacy now lives on not only through his work on screen, but through the love he inspired—and the awareness he helped bring to a devastating illness that affects far too many families.
All our thoughts go out to James’ family, his children and friends. Please share this article to show your support.
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