Steven Spielberg donates $25,000 to James Van Der Beek's $2m GoFundMe

James Van Der Beek's character Dawson was a famous fan of filmmaker Spielberg

Oscar-winning film director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, have donated $25,000 (£21,000) to the $2m (£1.6m) GoFundMe pot collected for the late Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek.

Another Oscar winner, actress Zoe Saldana, donated $2,500 (£2,108); while Wicked: For Good director Jon M Chu also gave $10,000 (£8,432).

A statement released by Friends of the Van Der Beek family, who arranged the collection, thanked contributors "from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family".

It read: "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."

Van Der Beek was best known for his role as the titular star of the US teen drama Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2023.

And while he and Spielberg never officially worked together on a screen project, his character Dawson had posters of his filmmaking hero's productions on his bedroom walls, including ET and Schindler's List.

Spielberg surprised fans at last year's Dawson's Creek cast reunion event by sending a video message to his famous fan.

"Dawson, you made it," said the director. "Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson's closet."

Spielberg made a surprise video appearance at last year's Dawson's Creek reunion

Van Der Beek died on Wednesday after having bowel cancer.

He revealed in November 2024 that he had "been privately dealing with this diagnosis" since August 2023.

The crowdfunder asked for financial aid after medical costs had left the family "out of funds".

The statement noted: "Right now, the family is taking time to mourn and be with one another", adding: "Thank you for honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love."