After the passing of James Van Der Beek on Wednesday, Zoe Saldana has committed to supporting his family through regular donations.
The 47-year-old actress has reportedly set up monthly contributions of $2,500 to a GoFundMe campaign, as shown by screenshots from the platform.
Fans have been moved and impressed by Saldana’s generous act toward Van Der Beek’s family, who previously disclosed financial struggles following his death at the age of 48.
Although Saldana and the Dawson’s Creek actor, who was battling colorectal cancer, do not seem to have any notable on-screen collaborations, it remains unclear if they shared a personal friendship.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Saldana’s representatives for further comments.
Saldana shared her sorrow over Van Der Beek’s passing with a heartfelt tribute on Instagram on Wednesday.
Zoe Saldana pledged to donate to James Van Der Beek’s family after his death on Wednesday
Saldana apparently pledged $2,500 a month to Van Der Beek’s family. The actor is survived by his wife Kimberley and their six children
The actress expressed her heartbreak over Van Der Beek’s death with a tribute post shared to her Instagram Stories on Wednesday
‘This hits hard… Our deepest condolences to his family,’ she wrote while posting a photo of the actor.
On X, several accounts noted her apparent charity.
‘Zoe Saldana donating $2,500 to James Van Der Beek’s family, MONTHLY, in the wake of his loss is just about the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,’ one user said on X.
The post included a screenshot showing the donation, which was made out from ‘Zoe Saldana–Perego,’ the actress’s married name.
The comments were filled with users saluting Saldana for looking out for Van Der Beek’s family, including his widow, Kimberly, and their six children.
‘What an incredibly kind gesture from a wonderful young lady,’ one said.
‘Wow, monthly, that is amazing and will be such a relief to a grieving mom,’ another chimed in.
‘Monthly support like that? Zoe Saldana is setting the standard for humanity,’ a user wrote.
On X, several accounts noted her apparent charity with screenshots of the recurring donation
The comments were filled with people saluting Saldana for looking out for Van Der Beek’s family, including his widow Kimberly and their six children
Some commenters took issue with Saldana’s donation and complained that it was not enough for Kimberly and Van Der Beek’s six children
They complained that the donation was not large enough based on Saldana’s net worth, or because they assumed the campaign would not last long enough for many monthly payments to be made to the family
But several commenters reacted defensively to the negative slant of some of the posts
Van Der Beek was best known for starring alongside Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams on Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons
The GoFundMe for Van Der Beek’s family has raised $1.6 million as of Thursday
‘The fact that this is a recurring monthly commitment shows the depth of her character,’ added another poster.
Some commenters took issue with Saldana’s donation, either because they thought it was not large enough given her net worth or because they assumed the campaign would not last long enough for many monthly payments to be made to Van Der Beek’s family.
‘Zoe Saldana’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $60 million. And yet $2,500? Better than nothing, I guess,’ read one comment.
‘I mean, she is the highest-grossing actor of all time,’ another person wrote, seemingly suggesting that the amount was not high enough.
‘Can’t help but think that there may be a family out there that could use help even more than the children of a millionaire,’ another person suggested.
But several commenters reacted defensively to the negative slant of some of the posts.
‘What should have been a heartfelt post has turned into something else in the comments. What a beautiful gesture, hopefully it inspires others who are able to go the same [sic],’ added one commenter.
As of Thursday, the GoFundMe for Van Der Beek’s family had raised $1.6 million, surpassing its $1.3 million goal.
It was originally set at just $1 million, but was increased after Van Der Beek’s fans quickly reached it.
