Steven Spielberg Makes Massive Donation to James Van Der Beek's Family
Fans of Dawson’s Creekknow that James Van Der Beek’s eponymous character, aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery, idolized Steven Spielberg. Now, just one day after the 48-year-old actor’s tragic death from complications due to colorectal cancer, the legendary Jaws director has made an incredibly kind gesture.
On Thursday, Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, quietly donated $25,000 to the GoFundMe set up in Van Der Beek’s memory in order to support his wife of more than 15 years, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7; and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
The GoFundMe campaign, which was set up by friends of the couple, explained the financial toll James’ treatment took on the family. “Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care,” his friends wrote.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” it continued. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. 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 support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
Shortly after the fundraiser launched, several Hollywood insiders, including TV producer Julie Plec—who co-created The Vampire Diaries with Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson—and Oscar winner Zoe Saldaña made significant contributions, some of them as monthly donations in order to ensure continued security for the family.
What Was James Van Der Beek’s Connection to Steven Spielberg?
Though Van Der Beek and Spielberg never worked together directly, the actor’s most famous character, Dawson Leery, idolized the director.
Dawson makes this clear from the very first episode of the series, specifically with his bedroom decor, which was a key set throughout all six seasons of the show. Jaws, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Hook, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and even Always were the film posters that all found real estate in Dawson’s bedroom.
As of Thursday evening, the GoFundMe had raised just over $1.9 million—nearly a half-million more than its goal of $1.5 million.