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Renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife, actress Kate Capshaw, have generously contributed $25,000 to a GoFundMe campaign supporting James Van Der Beek’s family.
The donation, made public on Thursday, places Spielberg and Capshaw among the top donors on the fundraising page, according to the information available on GoFundMe.
Spielberg shares a special connection with Van Der Beek, who passed away on Wednesday following a courageous three-year battle with colorectal cancer. This connection stems from Van Der Beek’s portrayal of Dawson Leery in the popular WB series “Dawson’s Creek,” where the character idolizes Spielberg as an aspiring filmmaker.
The acclaimed director of “Jurassic Park” made a surprise virtual appearance at a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion held in September 2025. Unfortunately, Van Der Beek was unable to attend due to his health struggles. Spielberg contributed a video message to the charity event, which was organized in collaboration with the organization F Cancer.
The “Jurassic Park” director even made a surprise appearance at the “Dawson’s Creek” reunion in September 2025, which Van Der Beek was forced to drop out of due to health issues. Spielberg made a video for the charity event, which was put on in partnership with F Cancer.
“Dawson, you made it,” Spielberg said in the video. “Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.”
Van Der Beek’s friends set up a GoFundMe Wednesday for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.
The GoFundMe notes that the family is”out of funds” due to costs associated with Van Der Beek’s illness and are facing “an uncertain future.”
“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 GoFundMe’s page reads, sharing that donations will help cover the family’s essential living expenses, pay bills and support the children’s education.
The GoFundMe has since raised over $1.9 million as of Thursday. Celebrities who have donated include Zoe Saldana, who set up a recurring donation of $2,500 a month, as well as Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst and Kaley Cuoco.
Kimberly shared Wednesday morning that her husband “passed peacefully” and “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
The “Varsity Blues” star’s close friends have since shared their heartbreaking final moments with him, including Alfonso Ribeiro.
The “Dancing With the Stars” host posted a photo of his “last moment” with Van Der Beek, in which he appeared visibly emotional as he cradled Van Der Beek’s head.
“My last moment was making him laugh one last time,” he wrote. “I really miss him already.”