Katie Holmes has paid an emotional tribute to her Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek following his death at the age of 48.
The actor’s family announced the news in a social media post yesterday (Wednesday February 11), over a year after he first shared his bowel cancer diagnosis.
Holmes became the first surviving member of Dawson’s Creek’s lead quartet to publicly pay tribute to Van Der Beek, writing on Instagram: “I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved.”
The actress, who played Joey Potter, the best friend and love interest of Van Der Beek’s Dawson Leery, also shared a handwritten ‘thank you’ note addressed to him. “To share space with your imagination is sacred,” it read.
“Breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression. These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs – adventures of a unique youth.”
“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, the journey of a hero.”
She finished the note by expressing her support for his wife, Kimberley, and their children.
Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson has also paid tribute to Van Der Beek, writing on Instagram alongside old photos of the two of them together, “Several times today, from my heart, I’ve tried to form the words to express the beautiful brilliance of James and what his presence has meant to my life. But I am truly at a loss for words. I will have to trust that one day those words will come…”
Other friends and co-stars have made tributes, too. Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother in Dawson’s Creek, said, “James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity.”
Busy Phillips, who appeared in the final two seasons of the show, said: “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.”
Buffy The Vampire Slayer actor Sarah Michelle Gellar also paid tribute, writing: “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. Fuck Cancer.”
Jennifer Garner added: “What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time.”
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with bowel cancer in the latter half of 2023 and made the news public in November 2024, telling People: “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
As well as playing the titular character on Dawson’s Creek, he was known for movies including Varsity Blues and The Rules Of Attraction, as well as playing a fictionalised version of himself in the cult TV show Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and appearing in the drama series Pose.