James Van Der Beek played the movie-obsessed teenager Dawson Leery in the popular 1990s series. His biggest idol was Steven Spielberg, whose movie posters adorned the walls of the boy's bedroom in the TV series.
Spielberg and Van Der Beek never worked together, but the director has donated $25,000 to the online fundraiser set up to benefit the late star's family, writes Entertainment Weekly.
Over $2 million, almost 18.5 million kronor, had been raised by Friday morning. James Van Der Beek, who died on Wednesday, leaves behind a wife and six children.
