Steven Spielberg Gives Thousands to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe
- - Steven Spielberg Gives Thousands to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMeRealityTeaEvolve EditorsFebruary 13, 2026 at 10:39 AM
0
Photo Credit: Frederic J. Brown / AFP via Getty Images | Michael Buckner / Deadline / Penske Media via Getty Images
James Van Der Beek’s family has received a donation of $25,000 from Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, through their established GoFundMe campaign. On February 11, the Dawson’s Creek actor passed away at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer. Other industry members who joined the good cause were Jon M. Chu, Ricki Lake, Danielle Marquez Levinson, Derek Hough, and more.
Steven Spielberg and wife donate $25,000 to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe charity
The Academy Award-winning filmmaker and his wife donated $25000 to the late actor’s family.
Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw were the second-highest donors, with $30000 in funding coming from an anonymous source. The GoFundMe campaign was set up by friends for James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six kids. It aimed to raise an amount of $1.5 million, but has now raised over $2 million, at the time of writing.
Notably, Van Der Beek’s iconic Dawson’s Creek character, Dawson Leery, was depicted as a die-hard Spielberg fan throughout the show. As per Entertainment Weekly, the acclaimed director even wrote back to the show’s creator, Kevin Williamson, allowing him to use his movie posters and references.
Furthermore, the Jurassic Park director also sent a heartwarming video message to the show’s cast for their recent reunion event in September 2025. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,” he stated. Evidently, this makes Spielberg and his wife’s gesture toward the actor’s family even more special.
Van Der Beek announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024 in a statement to PEOPLE. He said, “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
On February 11, Kimberly announced in an official statement that the Varsity Blues star had passed away. She wrote on Instagram, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
View this post on Instagram
Before his demise, James Van Der Beek appeared as Griffin in The Masked Singer and in two episodes of Overcompensating. He will also appear in the upcoming comedy series, Elle. Additionally, Van Der Beek portrayed Jacob in the movie The Gates, which is currently in its post-production stage.
Originally reported by Shazmeen Navrange on Mandatory.
The post Steven Spielberg Gives Thousands to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe appeared first on Reality Tea.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
