Film star James Van Der Beek is being remembered across Hollywood, with former co-stars, friends and studios paying emotional tributes following his death. As supporters rally around his wife, Kimberly, and their six children in a powerful GoFundMe campaign, messages from those who worked with him, especially the Dawson’s Creek family, continue to surface.
Van der Beek passed away at the age of 48 after a long battle with colorectal cancer, publicly revealing his diagnosis in November 2024. The family confirmed his death on social media, writing, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. We have much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. That day will come. For now, we ask for peace and privacy as we grieve our beloved husband and father.” Son, brother, and friend. ”
A career that helped define the television era
Born March 8, 1977 in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek became a generational figure when he starred in Kevin Williamson’s WB drama Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The series helped launch the careers of Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams, and was later added to by Netflix in 2020, finding new viewers.
He went on to star in Varsity Blues and Rules of Attraction, both of which became cult favorites, and his subsequent television work ranged from CSI: Cyber to the self-help Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23. He also has a recurring role in Prime Video’s new Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, which will air posthumously.
Dawson’s Creek co-stars and friends speak out
Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter opposite Van Der Beek for six seasons, shared a handwritten letter she wrote to him. Holmes, who played Joey Potter on the show from 1998 to 2003, wrote in an Instagram post: “These are words with a heavy heart. So much to process. So grateful to be able to share a part of James’s journey. He is loved.” Holmes wrote in an Instagram post, along with a photo of a handwritten letter he wrote to his late friend.
“Thank you, James. Sharing space with your imagination is a sacred thing. Breathing the same air in a land that makes you believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe to express,” she wrote in the note. She spoke of memories of their “unique youth” and praised the life the actor later built. She concluded: “I mourn this loss mindful of the reality of his absence and deeply grateful for his footprint.”
Addressing Van Der Beek’s surviving wife and children, Holmes added in the caption: “Kimberly, we love you and will always be here for you and your beautiful children ❤️.”
Busy Philipps, who played Joey Potter’s college roommate Audrey Liddell, gave her own eulogy. “Today, our hearts are deeply broken by all of us… everyone who knew and loved James, everyone who loved his work, everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community who were battling this disease, especially his parents and siblings. But my heart breaks for his amazing wife, Kimberly, and their six magical children,” Phillips posted on Instagram.
She continued, “James Van Der Beek was one in a billion. He will be forever missed. I don’t know what else to say. I am so sad. He was my friend and I loved him. I am so grateful for our friendship over the years. ❤️”
Chad Michael Murray, who played Charlie Todd on Season 5 of Dawson’s Creek, shared an Instagram Story linking to a GoFundMe for the family, writing, “Blessings to his family. He was a blessing to all of us.”
Julie Plec, a writer and producer who began her career working with Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson before making The Vampire Diaries, posted: “A vibrant young man. Father, husband, friend. An icon of a generation. Rest in peace JVDB. Rest in peace, Dawson.”
Fellow actor Alfonso Ribeiro, known for his role as Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, shared a photo of Van Der Beek from his later years, taken by his wife Kimberly. “Just a few minutes before we said our final goodbyes. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I miss him so much,” Ribeiro wrote.
Close friend and health advocate Stacey Keibler posted about their last sunset together: “The other day, we watched the sunset together and shared wisdom, hope, and mutual commitment.”
“We talked about how upside down this world feels, and maybe Heaven needs your soul right now to settle us here.”
Designer Erin Featherston shared a series of photos, including one of Van Der Beek’s final moments cradling her in bed. “You were loved by the whole world, but to us you were Uncle James,” she wrote.
“Thank you for your friendship. For always coming. For doing your best. When our dog died in the middle of the night, you came with a shovel. When our baby was born, you and @vanderkimberly were the first visitors. You not only celebrated our milestone, you were a part of it.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar also paid tribute, writing: “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 cancer.”
Van der Beek’s former Dancing with the Stars partner Emma Slater wrote: “So devastated. He is and always will be family to me ❤️ I love you so much, James. You are someone to be proud of. I’m so grateful to be there to say goodbye.”
Jennifer Garner added, “What a heartbreaking loss. Much love to Kimberly and your children as you navigate this tender time. ♥️.”
Jenna Dewan wrote, “We will always remember your kind and gentle soul. Love and prayers to Kim and the entire family ❤️🙏🏻.”
The studio respects his claims.
“We are saddened to hear of the passing of James Van Der Beek, an extraordinarily talented actor whose groundbreaking roles and thoughtful performances have endeared him to generations of audiences,” Fox Entertainment said in a statement.
“When we began casting for Fox’s cancer awareness special ‘The Real Full Monty,’ James was one of the first to come forward. Faced with his own health challenges, he chose to share his story with remarkable courage and generosity, using his voice to raise awareness about cancer screening and encourage people to take their health seriously.”
“Our hearts are with his wife Kimberly, their children, and everyone who loved him. He will be remembered not only for his body of work, but also for his warmth, integrity, and grace.”
Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios also said in a statement Wednesday: “James Van Der Beek began his career as a beloved teen icon, and since then audiences have identified with the breadth and depth of his work. He was a husband, father, consummate professional, and most recently, a vocal advocate for cancer awareness.” “We were proud to work with him as a creative partner on ‘Overcompensating’ and the upcoming ‘Elle.’ His gift for comedic timing led to memorable performances. We are deeply saddened by his passing and send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and many fans.”
GoFundMe surpasses $2.1 million
A GoFundMe campaign set up to support his wife, Kimberly, and their six children has raised more than $2.1 million as of press time.
The page reads: “Following this loss, Kimberly and her children face an uncertain future. James’ medical bills and long battle with cancer have left the family without resources. They remain at home and work hard to ensure their children continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of their friends, family and wider community will make a huge difference as they move forward.”
It added that the donations will be used for “essential living expenses, paying bills and supporting children’s education.”
Among the notable donors were Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, who gave $25,000, as well as Jon M. Chu and Kevin Hubane. Paul Walter Hauser wrote, “I love you, James. I know you are surrounded by love in heaven. The Van Der Beeks answer our daily prayers and raise some money to support your beautiful family. Thank you for your work and for being one of the good people.”
Van der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, four daughters and two sons.
