Steven Spielberg’s recent $25,000 donation to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe campaign has drawn attention not only for its generosity but for its deeper connection to the late actor’s most famous role.
Van Der Beek, who died this week at 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, left behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. As reported by The Hollywood Reporter and the BBC on February 13, 2026, the fundraiser surpassed $2 million after being launched to help cover medical costs that left the family “out of funds.”
On February 14, 2026, Perez Hilton described Spielberg’s contribution as one that “really hits home,” pointing to the emotional link between the filmmaker and Van Der Beek’s character on Dawson’s Creek.
More about Steven Spielberg‘s $25k donation to James Van Der Beek
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, donated $25,000 to the GoFundMe page set up by James Van Der Beek’s close friends. The fundraiser was created for Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s six children after extensive cancer treatments left the family facing financial uncertainty.
James Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he had been privately dealing with a colorectal cancer diagnosis since August 2023. As of February 12, 2026, the fundraiser had surpassed $2 million, exceeding its original goal of $1.5 million. Organizers increased the target multiple times as donations poured in, reaching $1 million in less than 24 hours.
A statement from friends of the family thanked supporters “from the bottom of our hearts,” noting that the generosity had been “a light” during a time of deep grief. The page emphasized that funds would help cover essential living expenses, bills, and the children’s education.
Other notable donors included director Jon M. Chu, who contributed $10,000, and Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña-Perego, who pledged $2,500 monthly, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The BBC also confirmed the fundraiser had surpassed its $2 million target.
Why the Spielberg connection “really hits home”
Perez Hilton wrote that Steven Spielberg’s donation carries added meaning. Although Spielberg and James Van Der Beek never worked together professionally, the connection traces back to Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. Van Der Beek’s character, Dawson Leery, idolized Spielberg and aspired to become a filmmaker.
Dawson’s bedroom famously featured posters from Spielberg films such as Jurassic Park, Hook, Schindler’s List, and E.T., along with an E.T. figurine. In 2018, show creator Kevin Williamson told Entertainment Weekly that he wrote directly to Spielberg to request permission to use the posters. Spielberg reportedly responded, “You can use everything.”
Spielberg also surprised fans during a Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York City in September 2025 by sending a video message to the cast. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,” he said. Against that backdrop, Perez Hilton wrote that the $25,000 contribution “really hits home,” describing it as “so, so sweet.”
James Van Der Beek died Wednesday morning at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter and the BBC. He is survived by Kimberly and their six children. The GoFundMe campaign described the family as facing an “uncertain future” after the costs of his extended medical fight.
In an updated message, family friends asked for privacy as they mourn, while thanking supporters for honoring Van Der Beek’s life with “compassion, generosity, and love.” Spielberg’s donation, alongside contributions from other Hollywood figures and thousands of fans, reflects the broad support surrounding the actor’s family.
Edited by Devangee
