Katie Holmes Honors 'Hero' Co-Star James Van Der Beek After His Death at 48
Katie Holmes has paid a moving tribute to her Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, remembering his "bravery" and "selflessness" following his death at age 48. Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023.
Shared Memories of a Unique Youth
In a handwritten note shared on Instagram, Holmes, 47, reflected on their time together on the hit teen drama that launched in 1998. The two actors rose to fame playing on-off boyfriend and girlfriend Dawson Leery and Joey Potter, becoming household names alongside co-stars Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley and Joshua Jackson as Pacey Witter.
Holmes described their shared "laughter," "conversations about life," and "adventures of a unique youth." She wrote that the news of his death had been "a lot to process" but expressed gratitude "to have shared in a piece of his journey."
A Life of Integrity and Family
The actress, who went on to star in films like Batman Begins and shows including Ray Donovan, praised Van Der Beek's personal qualities and family life. "Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength," she wrote. "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."
Holmes included a message to Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, and his six children, assuring them: "We are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion."
Cast Members and Co-Stars Pay Tribute
Other Dawson's Creek alumni have joined Holmes in honoring their former colleague. Busy Philipps, who starred in later seasons of the show, described Van Der Beek as "one in a billion" and shared that her heart was "deeply hurting for all of us today."
Philipps also promoted a GoFundMe page established to support Van Der Beek's family, noting that medical expenses from his extended cancer battle had depleted their resources. The campaign has already raised more than $1 million in donations.
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mother Gail on the series, shared photographs of herself with Van Der Beek and wrote: "Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity."
Legacy Beyond Dawson's Creek
Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003, followed a group of high school friends navigating friendships and romances, becoming a cultural phenomenon that launched multiple careers. Beyond the teen drama, Van Der Beek starred in the film Varsity Blues as backup quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon and played a parody version of himself in the sitcom Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23.
Krysten Ritter, his co-star from that series, remembered him as a "beautiful human inside and out." Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and heartfelt tributes from those who knew him best.
