Steven Spielberg & Zoe Saldaña: Latest Arts & Culture News

Steven Spielberg and actress Zoe Saldaña are among a growing number of celebrities contributing to a fund established for the family of James Van Der Beek, who died Wednesday at the age of 48 following a battle with colon cancer, according to reports from multiple news outlets.

Saldaña is leading a fundraising effort with a commitment of $2,500 per month to support Van Der Beek’s wife and their six children, Tiempo reported. The actor’s cancer treatment had created significant financial hardship for his family, prompting the creation of a GoFundMe campaign shortly before his death.

Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw, have donated $25,000 to the fund, Tiempo reported, while Julie Plec contributed $5,000. The outpouring of support also includes donations from Jon M. Chu, Derek Hough, Busy Philipps and Jenna Dewan, among others. As of today, the fund has surpassed $2.5 million.

Spielberg’s connection to Van Der Beek extends beyond a charitable contribution; the director was reportedly a favorite filmmaker of Van Der Beek’s character, Dawson Leery, on the television series Dawson’s Creek, according to Tiempo.

Beyond the high-profile donations, other celebrities such as Derek Hough, Lydia Hearst, and Ricki Lake are also providing ongoing financial assistance, according to Diario Libre.