The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in the iconic teen drama Dawson’s Creek. Following his death from cancer, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by his family to assist with substantial medical expenses that ultimately left them financially strained. Fans were taken aback by revelations from Van Der Beek about his minimal earnings from the show, which he claimed paid “almost nothing” in residuals.
Residual payments are typically granted to actors when a television series or film is re-aired, streamed, or sold in other formats after its original release. Despite the popularity of Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003 on The WB, Van Der Beek stated in a 2012 interview with TODAY.com that his contract provided him with little financial security. “There was no residual money,” he explained. “I was 20. It was a bad contract. I saw almost nothing from that.”
Van Der Beek’s financial difficulties became more pronounced as he sought to support his family. He took on a role in the ABC drama Don’t Trust the B—— in Apartment 23 in part because he realized that the money from Dawson’s Creek had run out. “I had to buckle down,” he reflected in that interview, highlighting the pressures of providing for his loved ones.
In the months leading up to his death, Van Der Beek began auctioning off memorabilia from his time on both Dawson’s Creek and the film Varsity Blues. Speaking to People in November 2025, he shared that he had been “storing these treasures for years” but felt compelled to part with them due to the “unexpected twists and turns” life had presented.
The cast of Dawson’s Creek came together to support their co-star during this challenging time, participating in a reunion to raise funds for Van Der Beek’s medical costs. Their solidarity underscores the tight-knit nature of the series’ cast, who have remained connected long after the show concluded.
As the entertainment community reflects on Van Der Beek’s legacy, the story highlights ongoing issues within the industry regarding fair compensation for actors. The disparity in residuals serves as a reminder of the challenges many performers face, even after achieving significant fame.
