rundown
James Van Der Beek of Dawson Creek passed away yesterday morning at the age of 48 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. His wife Kimberly Van Der Beek shared the news on Instagram, writing:
Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. He has much to share regarding his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve for our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Van Der Beek’s co-stars and friends were quick to pay tribute to Van Der Beek, offer their condolences to his family, and reflect on the actor’s life and accomplishments. Please read the message below.
melissa joanne hart
“My heart hurts to hear of @vanderjames passing! He was such a good man, a great father, and a great actor. Guest appearances on #ClarissaExplainsItAll will always be my first kiss on screen. Too much He left early, but he seems to have put up a hell of a fight. I happened to meet him on the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago, and he was singing with his daughter and encouraging her like a good father. Thoughts and prayers to his six children, wife, and family!”
sarah michelle gellar
She gave two compliments. In Van Der Beek’s Instagram post announcing the news, she wrote: “So sad for your beautiful family. James’ legacy will always live on, but this is a huge loss, not just to your family, but to the world. Fuck you cancer.”
She also posted on her Instagram Story, writing, “I grew up with @vanderjames. He was one of the good guys. This is truly a loss.”
chad michael murray
“Sending love and light to a beautiful family. James was a giant,” the family wrote in a caption on the family’s announcement post. “We are so sorry for what you are going through. His words, art and humanity were an inspiration to all of us. He inspired us to be better in every way. God bless you all 🙏”
jennifer garner
“What a heartbreaking loss,” she commented. “Sending lots of love to Kimberly and your children as you go through this tender time. ♥️”
jenna dewan
“I will always and forever remember your sweet and gentle soul,” she wrote in the family’s post. “Love and prayers to Kim and the entire family ❤️🙏🏻”
kate walsh
“I will always and forever remember your sweet and gentle soul,” she commented. “Love and prayers to Kim and the entire family ❤️🙏🏻”
Rumer Willis
Commenting on the family’s post, Willis wrote, “Dear, wonderful friends, I love you all. I keep you all in my heart. I am so lucky to have you in my life for so long. James has set the standard (for me) as a husband, father, and brother. I am so grateful to have witnessed your love, respect, and care for each other. Sending you all all my love and light.”
krysten ritter
“Such tough news today,” she wrote on her Instagram Story, sharing several photos of herself and the late actor, with whom she spent many years together, on the set of Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23.
“A beautiful human being inside and out. Smart, funny, empathetic, kind, talented and just pure magic,” Ritter added in a second post. “I’m so grateful for our friendship and I’m truly heartbroken. All my love goes to his wonderful wife Kimberly and their children. I love you so much, James and Fake James.” (Van Der Beek’s character on the show was also named James.)
Reese Witherspoon
“Shocked to hear about James Van Der Beek,” she wrote on her Instagram Story. “What an extraordinarily talented man, who showed great kindness and grace in everything he did. May all the angels be watching over his family during this difficult time.”
mary margaret humes
Humes, who played the actor’s mother Gail Lilly on “Dawson’s Creek,” wrote on Instagram: “I’m rarely at a loss for words…today would be an exception.” “James, my merciful warrior, you fought a tough battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity, and I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversation… just a few days ago… will forever be held quietly in my heart. To our friends and family of Dawson’s Creek… please respect our silence at this time as beautiful Kimberly and her family request peaceful privacy for now.”
busy phillips
Phillips, who played Audrey Liddell on the final two seasons of Dawson’s Creek, also paid tribute to Van Der Beek with a dedicated Instagram post.
“Today, our hearts are deeply broken by all of us… everyone who knew and loved James, loved his work, had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community as he battled this disease, especially his parents and siblings. But I also think of his wonderful wife, Kimberly, and their six magical children. I’m deeply saddened by the loss of my family and I will link them to my story to help them. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion. I will miss him forever and I don’t know what else to say. He was my friend and I love him and am so grateful for our friendship over the years.
Kesha
The singer shared a photo of herself walking the red carpet with Van Der Beek on her Instagram Story in May 2011 with a single red heart emoji above the photo. The late actor appeared in the music video for her single “Blow.”
katie holmes
She shared a handwritten note on Instagram detailing her feelings about Mr van der Beek’s death. “Thank you, James. It’s sacred to share space in your imagination – to breathe the same air in a land that makes you believe, to believe that each other’s hearts are safely expressed… These are some of the memories, along with the laughter, the conversations about life, the songs of James Taylor – a unique youthful experience. Adventure… Bravery, Compassion, Selflessness, Strength. The actions taken to live life with an appreciation for life and the integrity that life is art – creating creativity.” Beautiful marriage, six beloved children, I mourn this loss with the reality of his absence and my deepest gratitude to Kimberly and her children. And we will always be here for you, showering you with love and care. ”
In the caption, she added, “These words come with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to be a part of James’ journey. He is the love of my life. Kimberly, we love you and will always be here for you and your beautiful children ❤️.”
dawson’s creek
The show’s official Instagram account also paid tribute to the actor. The newspaper wrote: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek. His iconic portrayal of Dawson Lilly helped define a generation of television for fans and continues to resonate with viewers today. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”
