James Van Der Beek saw "almost nothing" in finances in the years after Dawson's Creek ended due to a "bad" contract.
Van Der Beek's family revealed the 48-year-old died yesterday following a stay in hospice, tragically ending a fight with colorectal cancer.
Following his death, it's been revealed that the actor saw "almost nothing" in returns from his time on Dawson's Creek due to a "bad" contract.
His family are now "out of funds" due to the cost of his care, and a fundraiser has been set up to support him.
The popular series ran for six seasons between 1998 and 2003.
Van Der Beek did not profit from any returns or streaming deals following its end.
“There was no residual money,' he told Today in 2012. “I was 20. It was a bad contract. I saw almost nothing from that.”
According to the Mirror, Can Der Beek and his co-stars – Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams – pocketed as much as US$175,000 per episode during Dawson's Creek's final season.
After the show ended, he was inundated with offers, with films such as Varsity Blues and Texas Rangers, but he had to take a step back because of burnout, and the offers stopped coming.
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“I was very afraid to say yes to anything. I was also burned out and wanted to take a break, and I passed on a lot of things because it didn't feel like something that I really wanted to do, or something that I didn't want to promote,” he told Variety.
Following his death, a GoFundMe for Van Der Beek's family was set up and has raised over US$1.7 million (NZ$2.8 million).
A message on the page said that his wife Kimberley and six children were left facing an "uncertain future" after his death.
"The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.
"They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.
"The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."
"Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them."
The fundraiser has drawn in several high-profile donors from the entertainment world.
Director Steven Spielberg and his wife, actor Kate Capshaw, donated US$25,000 (NZ$41,000).
Actor Zoe Saldana made a monthly donation of US$2500 (NZ$4,143).
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