James Van Der Beek Secures Family’s Future with Texas Ranch Down Payment
Actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away in February 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer, recently secured the future of his family’s home in Texas. According to reports, he made a down payment on the ranch the family had been renting in Austin, Texas, ensuring his wife Kimberly and their six children will be able to remain there.
A Move to Grounded Living
In 2020, James and Kimberly Van Der Beek made the decision to abandon Los Angeles with their children – Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4) – for a quieter life in Austin, Texas. The move was driven by a desire for a more grounded lifestyle and a closer connection to nature.
James Van Der Beek spoke about the positive impact of the move, noting it allowed the family to slow down and connect more deeply with each other and the natural world. He described a desire to be closer to the rhythms of nature and the seasons.
Community Support Following Loss
Following James Van Der Beek’s death on February 11th, friends of the family launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses. The campaign was created after the costs of his medical care placed a significant financial burden on the family. As of this writing, the fundraiser has collected over $2.5 million, intended to cover basic living expenses, bills, and the children’s education.
The Van Der Beeks initially rented a 36-acre property in Spicewood, just outside of Austin, in 2020. The down payment, made with the help of friends, allows the family to transition from renting to owning the property.
From “Dawson’s Creek” to Texas Roots
James Van Der Beek first gained recognition for his role in the 1998 series “Dawson’s Creek.” He publicly revealed his diagnosis of stage III colorectal cancer in November 2024, and passed away nearly three years later.
FAQ
Q: Why did James Van Der Beek move to Texas?
A: He and his family sought a more grounded lifestyle, closer to nature, and a stronger sense of community.
Q: What is the purpose of the GoFundMe campaign?
A: The campaign aims to help cover the family’s living expenses and the children’s education following the financial strain of James Van Der Beek’s medical care.
Q: Where in Texas did the Van Der Beek family live?
A: They lived on a 36-acre ranch in Spicewood, near Austin.
Did you know? James Van Der Beek previously filmed the movie “Varsity Blues” in Austin, Texas, in 1999, and felt a connection to the city even then.
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