Tributes have poured in for beloved actor James Van Der Beek, who sadly lost his battle with colorectal cancer on 11 February. He was just 48. His wife of 15 years, Kimberly, 44, announced his passing in an Instagram post, citing his “courage” right up until the end.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Remembering a defining TV hero
The official Dawson’s Creek social media accounts were among the first to pay tribute to the star. He became a household name thanks to his titular role in the hit series. The beloved teen drama ran from 1998 to 2003 and helped cement his place in television history.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek,” they wrote alongside a retro shot of the actor.
“His iconic portrayal of Dawson Leery helped define a generation of television for fans and continues to resonate with audiences today. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
Busy Philipps, 46, who joined the cast in 2001, took to social media to share a carousel of photos, saying her “heart is deeply hurting”.
Hollywood in heartbreak
She added, “James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed. I am just so, so sad. He was my friend and I loved him, and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Gellar, 48, shared a sweet photo of the pair as she reflected, “I grew up alongside James. He was one of the good guys. This is a true loss.”
She added on Kimberly’s post, “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F**k cancer.”
Dawson’s Creek co-star Kerr Smith, 53, took to the comments to share his heartbreak. “I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother,” he wrote.
“I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”
Grief bheind the scenes
Fellow co-star Chad Michael Murray, 44, called James a “giant”, saying he was moved by his “words, art and humanity”.
He added, “He inspired us to be better in all ways.”
A source tells Woman’s Day that Michelle Williams, 45, Katie Holmes, 47, and Joshua Jackson, also 47, are inconsolable at the loss of their beloved pal.
“Michelle’s absolutely devastated – even more than Katie,” we’re told.
Gone far too soon
“She’s had to deal with too many losses in her life and she’s broken-hearted for his family. “They’re all flying out to Texas for the funeral. James was the most popular guy on set – everyone loved him. There is no doubt his death has rocked Hollywood. He was too young.”
In November 2024, brave James went public with his diagnosis, having been “privately dealing” with the disease since August 2023.
Last September, the severity of his illness became clear as he was forced to miss the Dawson’s Creek “Class Reunion” charity event in New York, which was organised by his co-stars to raise money for F Cancer.
A final message to fans
In a surprise prerecorded video message, the actor – who looked particularly frail and gaunt – shared his sadness at not being able to make it in person after being taken out by “two stomach viruses”.
James said, “I can’t believe I’m not there. I wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theatre for being here tonight – from the cast and the crew, to everybody who’s donated time and been so generous.”
Since late last year, the father of six had been forced to auction off personal items from Dawson’s Creek and his 1999 film Varsity Blues due to mounting medical costs. In the wake of his passing,
a GoFundMe was set up by his wife, who revealed the family was “facing an uncertain future” after cancer treatment had “left the family out of funds”.
At time of going to print, the fundraiser had already exceeded $900,000.
