Film director Steven Spielberg has donated $25,000 (£18,365) to a crowdfunding campaign supporting the family of actor James Van Der Beek, who died this week after a cancer diagnosis in 2023. The fundraiser, which has surpassed $2 million, also received contributions from Zoe Saldaña, who pledged a monthly stipend of $2,500 (£1,840), and Wicked director Jon M Chu, who gave $10,000 (£7,350).
Spielberg, whom Van Der Beek's character Dawson Leery idolised in the 1990s teen drama Dawson's Creek, had previously sent a video message to a cast reunion event in September. The event raised funds for Fuck Cancer and Van Der Beek's medical treatment. In his message, Spielberg said: 'Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.'
Van Der Beek auctioned memorabilia in December to cover medical bills, including a stuffed ET toy that sold for $5,991 (£4,400) and Indiana Jones items that fetched between $2,000 and $4,000 (£1,470-£2,940). The items reflected his character's admiration for Spielberg's films.
A statement from Van Der Beek's family on Thursday expressed gratitude: 'Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light.' Other donors include Cameo co-founder Martin Blencowe, talent agent Guy Oseary, and Guardant Health, which donated $25,000. Van Der Beek was the first brand ambassador for their colorectal cancer screening blood test.
