Katie Holmes has made her first public appearance since the heartbreaking death of her beloved Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek.
The actress still showed up for a stage show at the Old Globe in San Diego, Calif., on Wednesday night, showing her strength and resilience during these turbulent times.
In a photo obtained by Page Six, Holmes is pictured in all her glory as she plays the title character in Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler.”
It is heard that a devastated Ms Holmes, 47, “did not interact with the fans waiting at the stage door or mention James” at any point during the night.
After the show, the actress “cautiously exited” through a private exit and drove away.
Page Six reached out to Holmes for comment, but he did not immediately respond.
The performance began just hours after news broke that Van der Beek, who had been battling stage 3 cancer since August 2023, had passed away at the age of 48.
Following the “Varsity Blues” star’s death, Holmes took to social media to share a touching handwritten message in memory of her late co-star.
“Thank you, James. Sharing imaginative space is sacred. Breathing the same air in a land that makes you believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in expression,” she wrote.
“These are some of the memories, laughs, conversations about life, songs by James Taylor, and a unique youthful adventure.”
The “First Daughter” star then listed some of Van Der Beek’s best qualities, including “compassion, courage, selflessness, and strength.”
“It’s the hero’s journey: appreciating life with the honesty that life is art, building a beautiful marriage and six loving children,” she added.
Holmes added that she was mourning Van der Beek’s death “with the reality of his absence in mind and a deep appreciation for his legacy.”
She concluded her message to her late co-star’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their children, saying, “We will always be here for you. And we will always be there to shower you with love and care.”
Meanwhile, friends of James have set up a GoFundMe to help the actor’s family with expenses following his death. As of publication, more than $1.5 million has been raised.
