It read: “Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words.
“In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.”
Van Der Beek was best known for his role as the titular star of the US teen drama Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2023.
And while he and Spielberg never officially worked together on a screen project, his character Dawson had posters of his filmmaking hero’s productions on his bedroom walls, including ET and Schindler’s List.
Spielberg surprised fans at last year’s Dawson’s Creek cast reunion event by sending a video message to his famous fan.
“Dawson, you made it,” said the director. “Maybe someday, I will get to have a Dawson’s closet.”