The late “Dawson’s Creek” star shared six children with his wife, Kimberly.

James Van Der Beek secured down payment to buy family’s Texas ranch just before his death with help from friends

The late "Dawson's Creek" star shared six children with his wife, Kimberly.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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February 15, 2026 12:05 p.m. ET

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James and Kimberly Van Der Beek with their six children. Credit:

James Van Der Beek/Instagram

Before his death, James Van Der Beek purchased a multimillion dollar Texas ranch for his family with help from his friends.

The *Dawson's Creek* star, who died at 48 on Feb. 11, left Los Angeles in 2020 with his wife and their six children to begin renting a sprawling 36-acre property on the outskirts of Austin. He made moves to purchase the ranch in January, a representative for the late actor has now confirmed.**

"James secured 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," a spokesperson for the actor told PEOPLE on Saturday. Per Realtor.com, the picturesque location cost $4.76 million and was officially purchased on Jan. 9, just over a month before the actor died.

Representatives for Van Der Beek did not immediately respond to **'s request for comment.

James Van Der Beek with his children.

Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram

The actor, who played the titular character on all six seasons of *Dawson's Creek*, died on Wednesday after announcing in November 2024 that he'd been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer and had been privately undergoing treatment.

Following his death, friends of the beloved actor set up a GoFundMe to provide financial support for his family as they faced "an uncertain future."

"The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," the page stated. "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."

They added that donations would go towards the cost of "essential living expenses, [to] pay bills, and support the children's education." As of Sunday, the campaign has pulled in more than $2.6 million in donations.

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Though many have supported the GoFundMe campaign, it has also been met with backlash and criticism from those who've claimed the donations are unnecessary given Van Der Beek's successful career and recent property purchase. This has led some stars to defend the late actor's family, including Broadway star Donna Vivino.

"For those attacking James Van Der Beek's wife for having a [GoFundMe] may I give you some FACTS?" she wrote in a lengthy Friday Instagram post. "1. They do not OWN the farm they live on, they were renting. 2. He was not living off residuals."

James Van Der Beek in May 2025.

C Olivera/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty

Referencing the actor's 2012 comments about getting "almost nothing" in residuals from his time on *Dawson's Creek*, Vivino also highlighted the expensive cost of cancer treatment, writing, "Not everything is what it looks like online. A little context goes a long way.”

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In addition to fans' generous contributions, the Van Der Beek family has received high-value donations from Steven Spielberg, Zoe Saldaña, *Dancing With the Stars* judge Derek Hough, and *Wicked* director Jon M. Chu.

One day after the fundraiser went live, organizers shared a message expressing gratitude for all the donations.

"Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family," the Feb. 12 update read. "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."

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