Director revered by actor’s character in Dawson’s Creek is among film industry figures – also including Zoe Saldaña and John M Chu – to make large donation to family
The film director Steven Spielberg has donated $25,000 (£18,365) to a crowdfunder to help the widow and six children of the actor James Van Der Beek, who died this week after being diagnosed with cancer in 2023.
Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek’s character in Dawson’s Creek, the 90s teen soap that shot him to fame, was an aspiring director who idolised Spielberg. Show creator Kevin Williamson had based the character on himself; he went on to write the horror-comedy Scream and other films in the franchise.
Spielberg was a surprise contributor to September’s Dawson’s Creek cast reunion event to raise funds for Fuck Cancer and for Van Der Beek’s medical treatment. The film-maker sent a video message saying: “Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.”
The actor was too ill to attend the event in person but also sent a video message. In December, Van Der Beek auctioned off assorted memorabilia to help pay his medical bills, including some of the bedroom props indicating his character’s love of Spielberg’s films.
