Katie Holmes Honors James Van Der Beek After Actor’s Death

Katie Holmes paid tribute to her Dawson’s Creek castmate, James Van Der Beek, on Instagram on Thursday following news of his death. In a handwritten note, the actress listed the many virtues she saw in Van Der Beek, who died Wednesday after a cancer battle: “bravery, compassion, selflessness, strength, an appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children.” She summarized all of this by describing Van Der Beek’s life as “the journey of a Hero,” underlining that last word.

Holmes wrote separately that she had written the missive “with a heavy heart,” adding his loss had been “a lot to process.”

“I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey,” she wrote. “He is beloved. Kimberly [Van Der Beek], we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”

In her note, Holmes wrote directly to James, telling him that sharing space with his imagination was sacred. She also collected memories of Van Der Beek that she treasured: “laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs,” all of which she described as “adventures of a unique youth.”

Van Der Beek had revealed that he was battling colorectal cancer in November 2024, 18 months after he had begun receiving treatment for the disease. Upon announcing his death, his wife, Kimberly, wrote that Van der Beek “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” She subsequently launched a GoFundMe to help support the family.

“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time,” Kimberly wrote in her statement. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”