Zoe Saldana pledges $2,500 monthly to James Van Der Beek’s family after his death

Zoe Saldana donates $2,500 monthly to James Van Der Beek’s family via GoFundMe following his death

Actress Zoe Saldana has committed to a monthly donation of $2,500 to support the family of James Van Der Beek following the actor’s death at age 48. 

Her contribution was listed among other donors on Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe page, which aims to assist his family with ongoing expenses after his passing.

The fundraising campaign, initially set with a goal of $550,000, has since increased to $1.5 million. At the time of reporting, the page had raised over $1.2 million, with contributions from celebrities including Derek Hough, Lydia Hearst, and Ricki Lake.

Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, had revealed in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer. His death was confirmed via Instagram on February 11, 2026, accompanied by a family statement describing his final days as marked by “courage, faith, and grace.”

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4. The GoFundMe page notes that the family has faced significant medical and living expenses and is seeking community support to maintain their home and care for the children.

Hollywood colleagues have expressed condolences and paid tribute to Van Der Beek’s impact on the industry and his personal character. Katie Holmes and Kerr Smith, among others, shared messages of support and admiration, emphasizing the actor’s bravery, creativity, and enduring influence on co-stars and fans alike.