Steven Spielberg Contributes £25,000 to Van Der Beek’s Fundraiser

Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, have contributed to James Van Der Beek’s GoFundMe page, aiming to support the actor’s family following his death. The Oscar-winning director donated $25,000 to help Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their six children. The GoFundMe account has been set up by close friends to assist the family, stating they are financially strained due to medical expenses.

James Van Der Beek, aged 48, passed away on Wednesday morning after battling colorectal cancer. He had revealed his diagnosis in November 2024, explaining that he had been dealing with it privately since August 2023.

By Thursday at 3 p.m. PT, the campaign had raised over $1.8 million, surpassing its $1.5 million target. Initially, the goal was set at $550,000. As donations increased rapidly, organisers raised the target multiple times, and the page surpassed $1 million within a day of its creation.

Although Spielberg and Van Der Beek never collaborated on projects, the actor’s character in Dawson’s Creek admired Spielberg, with movie posters in the character’s bedroom. Last year, Spielberg delighted fans with a video message during a reunion of the series.

Notable figures, including director Jon M. Chu, who donated $10,000, and Oscar-winner Zoe Saldana, who contributed $2,500 monthly, have also supported the GoFundMe.

The page highlights Kimberly and the children facing an uncertain future due to the financial strain from medical bills. It urges community support to help them maintain stability during this challenging time.