Steven Spielberg, Dawson Leary’s Idol, Donates $25,000 to James Van Der Beek Fundraiser | Steven Spielberg

Film director Steven Spielberg has donated $25,000 (£18,365) to a crowdfunding organization to help the widow and six children of actor James Van Der Beek, who died this week after being diagnosed with cancer in 2023.

dawson Leery, Van Der Beek’s character on Dawson’s Creek, the 1990s teen series that catapulted him to fame, was an aspiring director who idolized Spielberg. Show creator Kevin Williamson based the character on himself. He went on to write the horror comedy Scream and other films in the series.

Spielberg was a surprise contributor to a Dawson’s Creek cast reunion event in September to raise money for Fuck Cancer and for Van Der Beek’s medical treatment. The filmmaker sent a video message saying, “Dawson, you nailed it. Maybe one day, I’ll get Dawson’s closet.”

The actor was too ill to attend the event in person but also sent a video message. In December, Van Der Beek auctioned off various memorabilia to help pay his medical bills, including some bedroom items that referenced his character’s love of Spielberg’s films.

Lots included a stuffed toy, which sold for $5,991 (£4,400), as well as an Indiana Jones figurine box and movie posters, which sold for $2,000-$4,000 (£1,470-£2,940).

Donations to the GoFundMe appeal have now exceeded $2 million. A statement on behalf of the Van Der Beek family on Thursday said: “Your kindness means more than we can put into words. Amidst deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’ spirit continues to bring people together.”

Other industry names to have donated include Zoe Saldaña, who pledged a monthly salary of $2,500 (£1,840), and Wicked director Jon M Chu, who donated $10,000 (£7,350), as did Cameo co-founder Martin Blinko and talent agent Guy Oseary.

Spielberg topped Forbes’ 2025 survey of celebrity billionaires, with an estimated net worth of $5.3bn (£3.9bn). In January, Saldaña overtook Scarlett Johansson to become the highest-grossing actress of all time, having starred in films that have grossed more than $15.47bn (£11.37bn) worldwide.

Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Fidji Simo donated $5,000 (£3,680), as did director Eli Kanner. Danielle Marquis Levinson, wife of film producer Steven Levinson, contributed $10,000, while fashion designer Tracy Robbins and talent agent Kevin Hovan each donated $5,000.

Many of the major donors remain anonymous, with one contributing $30,000 and another pledging $5,000 a month.

Guardant Health donated $25,000. Van Der Beek was the first brand ambassador for a new colorectal cancer screening blood test. “His voice and advocacy will leave a lasting mark on the fight against colorectal cancer,” a spokesperson for the GoFundMe page wrote.