A surge of public support for the James Van Der Beek GoFundMe campaign intensified this week after legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, donated $25,000 to help the late actor’s family.
Van Der Beek, best known for his roles in the television drama Dawson’s Creek and the football film Varsity Blues, died Wednesday, Feb. 11, at age 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His death was announced on his Instagram page, which stated that he “passed peacefully.”
The actor had first been diagnosed in August 2023 and later spoke publicly about his illness in November 2024, drawing widespread support from fans and fellow entertainers.
Although Spielberg and Van Der Beek never collaborated professionally, their connection resonated deeply with fans of Dawson’s Creek. Van Der Beek’s character, Dawson Leery, famously idolized Spielberg’s filmmaking, often seen with posters from the director’s movies—particularly Jaws—displayed prominently in his bedroom.
In August, several cast members from the hit teen series reunited in New York for a live reading of the show’s pilot episode to benefit Van Der Beek and the nonprofit F Cancer. During the emotional event, Spielberg surprised attendees with a recorded tribute aimed at the fictional aspiring filmmaker.
“Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet,” Spielberg said.
The GoFundMe campaign established to assist the actor’s family has rapidly gained momentum. As of Feb. 12, donations were approaching $1.9 million, reflecting both industry backing and grassroots support from fans worldwide.
“My friends created this link to support me and my children during this time,” Kimberly Van Der Beek wrote in a Feb. 11 Instagram story shortly after announcing her husband’s death on social media. She added, “With gratitude and a broken heart.”
According to the fundraiser’s description, “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.” Donations will “help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife of more than 15 years, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; Gwendolyn, 7; and Jeremiah, 4.
Several prominent figures have amplified the fundraiser, encouraging fans to contribute. Among them are actress Busy Philipps, Patricia Arquette of Severance, Chad Michael Murray—known for One Tree Hill—and Van Der Beek’s longtime co-star Katie Holmes.
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