James Van Der Beek, known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” earned minimal residuals from the popular series despite its success. The actor, who passed away at 48 after battling colorectal cancer, faced financial hardship in his final months due to medical expenses and inability to work, leaving his wife and six children in an uncertain position. A GoFundMe campaign was launched by friends to support his family after his death.
In a 2012 interview, Van Der Beek revealed his contract for the CW drama, which aired from 1998 to 2003, provided little residual income. He described it as a “bad contract” signed when he was 20, stating, “There was no residual money. I saw almost nothing from that.” He later joined the cast of “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23” in 2012 when his savings dwindled.
Actress Rachel True, who guest-starred on “Dawson’s Creek,” highlighted how non-major network shows like those on The CW are considered “syndicated,” allowing studios to avoid paying standard residuals. She noted this practice deprives actors of financial security. Fans echoed frustrations online, with one calling the lack of streaming residuals “horrible.”
Before his death, Van Der Beek auctioned memorabilia to fund his cancer treatments. Despite his financial struggles, his family’s GoFundMe has received widespread support, nearing $2 million in donations. Contributions include significant amounts from celebrities such as Zoe Saldaña, director Jon M. Chu, and Derek Hough.