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Michelle Williams Thanks Donors After James Van Der Beek’s Death as Family Fund Tops $2.7 Million

Her first public remarks coincided with a friends-run fundraiser surpassing its goal to help his widow and six children.

Overview

  • Speaking at the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1, Williams said she is thinking about Van Der Beek and his family constantly and publicly thanked contributors to the campaign.
  • The GoFundMe launched the day his death was announced has raised roughly $2.7–$2.75 million, exceeding its original $1.5 million target.
  • Organizers say the money will help Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s six children cover essential living expenses and education after significant medical costs.
  • Some online criticism questioned the need for donations, while peers, including Broadway actor Donna Vivino, defended the effort by citing high treatment expenses and limited residuals.
  • Van Der Beek disclosed a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024 and died on February 11 at age 48, his family said.