Steven Spielberg donates $25,000 to James Van Der Beek family fundraiser

Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw contribute $25,000 to GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek’s family

Steven Spielberg has donated $25,000 (£18,300) to a GoFundMe campaign supporting the family of James Van Der Beek following the actor’s death at the age of 48.

A spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday that the Dawson’s Creek star died “peacefully” after a two-and-a-half-year battle with colorectal cancer.

Shortly after the announcement, close friends launched a fundraiser to assist his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children, citing “significant financial strain”.

Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, were among the high-profile donors to contribute to the appeal. While the couple have not publicly commented on their donation, Van Der Beek’s character, Dawson Leery, famously idolised the Oscar-winning director in Dawson’s Creek, with the fictional teenager’s bedroom featuring posters of Spielberg’s films.

Last year, Spielberg recorded a video message for a Dawson’s Creek reunion event, referencing the storyline. “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson's closet,” he said.

By Friday, more than 40,000 people had donated to the campaign, raising $2 million (£1.46 million) despite an initial target of $1.5 million (£1.1 million).

Other contributors include Wicked: For Good director Jon M. Chu, who donated $10,000 (£7,300), and actress Zoe Saldaña, who pledged $2,500 (£1,800) per month.

In a statement, organisers thanked supporters, writing: “Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words. In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light.”

Van Der Beek’s final screen appearance will be as Dean Wilson in the forthcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle. He married Kimberly in 2010, and the couple had four daughters and two sons.