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Hollywood mourns loss of James Van Der Beek
Tributes have poured in for actor James Van Der Beek, who died at 48 following a battle with bowel cancer. The Dawson's Creek star's passing was confirmed by his family on social media, prompting an outpouring of grief from co-stars, friends, and fans.
Heartfelt tributes from co-stars
Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter opposite Van Der Beek's Dawson Leery in the iconic 1998-2003 teen drama, shared a handwritten statement on Instagram. She praised his "bravery, compassion, selflessness, and strength," as well as his "deep appreciation for life." Holmes added, "I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint."
Busy Philipps, who portrayed Joey's university roommate Audrey Liddell, called Van Der Beek "one in a billion" in an emotional post. "I am just so so sad," she wrote, urging followers to support a fundraiser for his family. Philipps later revealed she had spent his final days with him, describing their friendship as a lifelong bond.
Colleagues remember his kindness and talent
Reese Witherspoon, executive producer of the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel Elle-in which Van Der Beek was set to star posthumously-called his death "devastating." She wrote on Instagram, "What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action."
Other Dawson's Creek cast members, including Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, and Kerr Smith, shared memories of their time together. Smith, who played Jack McPhee, wrote, "I'm so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I'll miss him deeply." Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed Van Der Beek's on-screen mother, called him a "gracious warrior" who fought his illness with "quiet strength and dignity."
Diagnosis and final months
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with bowel cancer in late 2023 and publicly revealed his condition in November 2024. Despite his illness, he made a video appearance at a Dawson's Creek reunion event last September, where Lin-Manuel Miranda filled in for him. Miranda later paid tribute, writing that his "whole heart" was with Van Der Beek's family.
Friends, including actor Alfonso Ribeiro and retired wrestler Stacy Keibler, shared intimate details of his final days. Keibler posted a photo of them watching a sunset, writing, "You taught me more about being present than any book ever could." Ribeiro, who called Van Der Beek his "life guide," said he had the chance to say goodbye over the weekend.
Fundraiser for his family
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Van Der Beek's widow, Kimberley, and their six children-ages 4 to 15-had raised over $1.2 million by Thursday morning. Philipps and other friends urged the public to contribute, emphasizing the family's need for privacy during this time.
Legacy beyond 'Dawson's Creek'
Beyond his breakout role as Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek starred in films like Varsity Blues and TV shows such as Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. Co-star Krysten Ritter called him a "beautiful human inside and out," while One Tree Hill actor Austin Nichols described him as someone to "aspire to."
Jennifer Garner and Sarah Michelle Gellar also shared condolences, with Garner calling his death a "heartbreaking loss" and Gellar noting his lasting impact on the world. Van Der Beek's family requested peaceful privacy as they navigate their grief.
