James Van Der Beek Reveals Minimal “Dawson’s Creek” Residuals Before His Passing
James Van Der Beek opened up about his financial struggles from “Dawson’s Creek” residuals, revealing he received minimal compensation from the show. This revelation sheds light on the hardships faced by his family following his passing.
Minimal Residuals from “Dawson’s Creek”
James Van Der Beek, who played the lead role in “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2003, noted in a 2012 interview that he earned almost nothing from the show’s residuals. He described his contract as unfavorable, stating, “There was no residual money.” This financial shortfall prompted him to seek other opportunities, including a role in “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” when funds ran low.
Financial Challenges and Family Needs
Despite his success on the popular series, Van Der Beek emphasized how difficult it was to provide for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children without substantial earnings from his early career. He learned the importance of financial responsibility and felt motivated to work harder to secure his family’s future.
Sadly, Van Der Beek passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly, shared the news on social media, describing his final moments as peaceful and brave.
The High Cost of Cancer Treatment
The treatment for colorectal cancer, which Van Der Beek faced, is associated with significant financial burdens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), colorectal cancer accounts for 11.6% of all cancer treatment costs, with individual costs soaring during a patient’s last year of life, averaging around $110,100.
Community Support
In response to the financial strain caused by medical expenses, friends of the Van Der Beek family initiated a GoFundMe campaign. The campaign aimed to alleviate the burdens of ongoing living costs, educational expenses for the children, and maintaining their home. Within a single day, it raised nearly $1.8 million.
Auctioning Treasures
Prior to his death, Van Der Beek took steps to manage his medical expenses by auctioning items from his career. He sold memorabilia from “Dawson’s Creek” and other roles to help cover his healthcare costs. Reflecting on the auctions, he remarked about the emotional difficulty of parting with cherished items but felt the time was right to share them with fans who had supported him.
As his family navigates this challenging time, the legacy of Van Der Beek’s work continues to resonate with fans and the entertainment community.
