Dawson's favorite director gives to James Van Der Beek fund - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Tracy Brown

February 13, 2026

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Steven Spielberg, known for being James Van Der Beek’s favorite director, has donated $25,000 to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support the late actor’s family. The fundraiser surpassed $2.3 million in contributions from over 44,000 donors as of Friday morning. The funds will help cover essential expenses, including medical costs and the children’s education. James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama "Dawson's Creek," passed away after a battle with colorectal cancer. Spielberg’s contribution is notable given Van Der Beek’s admiration for the director. The actor auctioned off personal memorabilia and sought support from friends and co-stars during his illness. The campaign has garnered donations from numerous celebrities, including Zoe Saldaña, Jon M. Chu, Derek Hough, Busy Philipps, Jenna Dewan, and Paul Walter Hauser. Van Der Beek’s former co-stars on "Dawson's Creek," such as Katie Holmes and Kevin Williamson, have also shared heartfelt tributes, highlighting his impact on their lives. Van Der Beek revealed in 2012 that he earned minimal compensation for his work on "Dawson's Creek" and received no residuals. This financial struggle compounded the challenges faced by his family after his passing. The fundraiser aims to alleviate the burden on his

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/13/2026