Katie Holmes, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Cast Members React to James Van Der Beek’s Death

By Source / Published on Thursday, 12 Feb 2026 13:33 PM / No Comments / 19 views

The cast of “Dawson’s Creek” are celebrating James Van Der Beek’s legacy following the news of the actor’s death at the age of 48.

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, the “Varsity Blues” star’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote in an Instagram post that her husband had died.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she said in a joint post that included James Van Der Beek’s Instagram account. “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.”

James Van Der Beek publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer on Nov. 3, 2024. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said in a message.

After the post announcing his death was uploaded, many of James Van Der Beek’s co-stars throughout the years paid tribute to him, including the actors who shared the screen with him on “Dawson’s Creek.”

Katie Holmes posted a handwritten note to Instagram Feb. 12, writing in her caption, “I formed some words with a heavy heart.”

Holmes played Van Der Beek’s character’s best friend and longtime love interest Joey Potter, who appeared in all six seasons of the teen drama.

She opened her note by simply writing, “Thank you,” to Van Der Beek.

“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” she added. “To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”

Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell, shared throwback photos from their time on set together.

“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister,” she wrote. “But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children.”

She mentioned the family’s GoFundMe page and said she would link to it in her Instagram story.

“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say,” she added. “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.”

Chad Michael Murray, who briefly portrayed Charlie Todd for 12 episodes, commented beneath the Instagram post about James Van Der Beek’s death and said, “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us — he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”

“Dawson’s Creek aired for six seasons on The WB from 1998 to 2003. In September, the cast reunited for a one-night only event in New York City. James Van Der Beek canceled the day before due to “two stomach viruses.”

He sent a surprise pre-recorded message instead to express his gratitude to the everyone who contributed to the show, including the fans.

“From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you,” he shared. “You are the best fans in the world.”