Steven Spielberg's donation to James Van Der Beek's family was so kind... But it's got way more meaning than you may realize. As we previously reported, tons of celebs are donating to James' family following his death. They launched a GoFundMe shortly after they announced his tragic passing, which was set up for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. After paying for his cancer treatments, the family was sadly left in an "uncertain" are as far as finances - but luckily they're being taken care of! One of the top donors was the legendary director, who donated $25,000 bucks to the campaign. A kind gesture no matter what way you look at it, but if you take into account Dawson's Creek... It just gets sweeter. In case you're not familiar with the show, James' character on the series was Dawson - a teen who wanted to be a filmmaker and was a huge Spielberg fan. Movie posters from some of his flicks like Jurassic Park, Hook, and Schindler's List can be seen in Dawson's room. There's even a little E.T. figurine! Related: The Cancer Symptom That Compelled James To Get A Colonoscopy See some grabs from the show (below): (c) Sony Pictures Television/YouTube (c) Sony Pictures Television/YouTube (c) Sony Pictures Television/YouTube Back in 2018, show creator Kevin Williamson told Entertainment Weekly that he actually had to write and ask the director if they could use his posters in the series. To which he reportedly had the "loveliest response": "You can use everything." How kind! In September 2025, during the Dawson's Creek reunion in NYC, Spielberg even sent a sweet message to the cast, saying in a short video: "Dawson, you made it. Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson's closet." Aww! With Dawson's connection to Spielberg and his films, this donation to James' family really hits home. So, so sweet. Reactions, Perezcious readers? [Image via James Van Der Beek/Instagram/Sony Pictures Television/YouTube/MEGA/WENN] The post Why Steven Spielberg's $25,000 Donation To James Van Der Beek's Family Is So Meaningful appeared first on Perez Hilton.