Steven Spielberg, Dawson Leery’s idol, donates $25,000 to James Van Der Beek fundraiser
Director revered by late actor’s character in Dawson’s Creek is among film industry figures – also including Zoe Saldaña and John M Chu – to make large donation to family
The film director Steven Spielberg has donated $25,000 (£18,365) to a crowdfunder to help the widow and six children of the actor James Van Der Beek, who died this week after being diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek’s character in Dawson’s Creek, the 90s teen soap that shot him to fame, was an aspiring director who idolised Spielberg. Show creator Kevin Williamson had based the character on himself; he went on to write the horror-comedy Scream and other films in the franchise.
Spielberg was a surprise contributor to September’s Dawson’s Creek cast reunion event to raise funds for Fuck Cancer and for Van Der Beek’s medical treatment. The film-maker sent a video message saying: “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a 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 assorted memorabilia to help pay his medical bills, including some of the bedroom props indicating his character’s love of Spielberg’s films.
The lots included a stuffed ET toy, which sold for $5,991 (£4,400), as well as an Indiana Jones figurine box and movie posters, which sold for between $2,000-$4,000 (£1,470-£2,940).
Donations to the GoFundMe appeal have now surpassed $2m. A statement on behalf of Van Der Beek’s family on Thursday said: “Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.”
Other industry names to have donated include Zoe Saldaña, who has pledged a monthly stipend of $2,500 (£1,840), and Wicked director Jon M Chu, who donated $10,000 (£7,350), as have Cameo co-founder Martin Blencowe 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 actor of all time, having starred in films that have made more than $15.47bn (£11.37bn) worldwide.
Meanwhile, OpenAI CEO Fidji Simo has given $5,000 (£3,680), as has director Ellie Kanner. Danielle Marquez Levinson, the wife of film producer Stephen Levinson, contributed $10,000, while fashion designer Tracy Robbins and talent agent Kevin Huvane both donated $5,000.
Many top donors remain anonymous, with one contributing $30,000 and another pledging $5,000 monthly.
Guardant Health donated $25,000; Van Der Beek was the first brand ambassador for their new blood test for colorectal cancer screening. “His voice and advocacy will leave a lasting mark on the fight against colorectal cancer,” wrote a spokesperson on the GoFundMe page.