Dawson’s Creek Cast Reacts to Death of James Van Der Beek at 48

I Dawson’s Creek those who are thrown mourn the death of their buyer James Van Der Beek after his death at the age of 48.

Van Der Beek’s family confirmed on Wednesday, February 11, that the actor, who starred in the 1990s scene, has died following a battle with colon cancer.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his last days with courage, faith, and grace,” James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beekhe shared a statement shared on his Instagram at the time. “There is much we can discuss about his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now we ask that we be alone and in peace as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”

Van Der Beek announced his stage III colorectal cancer in November 2024. His Capeside Crew – including Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Kerr Smith and more – they meet one year later in September 2025 for a one-night only Dawson’s Creek to help raise money for F Cancer and Van Der Beek, reading the pilot live at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City.

“James and I were actually talking about him [a reunion] back in April or May. We were doing a meeting together, I think it was in Pittsburgh, and she had said that Michelle wanted to do this and put it together,” Smith, 53, told Self. Us Weekly in September 2025 about how the encounter first came together. “So it’s Michelle’s baby, as far as I’m concerned. She gets the credit. And I’m glad she does, because it’s going to be fun to see all those people. And when I get fired, I’m like, ‘Sure, I’m in. This is fun.’ I mean it helps, James.”

When Van Der Beek ended up not making it to the event, as he was forced to pull out at the last minute due to a stomach flu, Lin-Manuel Miranda come in and read Dawson’s part in his absence. The meet sold out in 12 minutes, with tickets priced from $199 to $1,200, raising thousands of dollars for the cause.

Dawson’s Creek ran on The WB from 1998 to 2003 and followed Van Der Beek’s Dawson Leery as he navigated the turbulent times of youth alongside his love interest Joey Potter (Holmes), best friend Pacey Witter (Jackson) and mysterious new neighbor Jen Lindley (Williams). Smith, Meredith Monroe, Phillips is busy, John Wesley Shipp again Mary-Margaret Humes and starred.

After his death, the actors took to social media to honor the life of their old friend. Keep scrolling for all the heartfelt gifts about Van Der Beek from Dawson’s Creek throw:

Katie Holmes

“James, thank you. Sharing space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in a world of pretense and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their speech…,” Holmes, 47, shared an emotional handwritten note posted on Instagram on Thursday, February 12. “These are some of the memories, and laughter, unique songs of James …

“Bravery. Compassion. Sacrifice. Strength. Appreciation of life and the step taken to live life honestly that life is art – creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children – a hero’s journey,” he wrote.

“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the truth of his absence and great gratitude for his mark on it,” said the actor. “To Kimberly and the children, we are always here for you. And we will always be there to shower you with love and compassion,” Holmes concluded.

Kerr Smith

“I’m so grateful to be able to call James my brother,” Kerr Smith, who played Jack McPhee in seasons 2 through 6 of the show, wrote on Instagram. I will miss him very much. Rest easy.”

Chad Michael Murray

“Sending love and light to your beautiful family,” Chad Michael Murraywho played Charlie at the time Dawson’s Creek’s college years, he wrote in the comment section of James’ Instagram. “James was a giant. We are so sorry for what you are going through. His words, creativity and personality inspired us all – he inspired us to be better in every way. God bless you guys🙏.”

Phillips is busy

Phillips, who played Joey’s Audrey Dawson’s Creekshared courtesy of Instagram. “My heart is very sad for all of us today… everyone who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or was happy to meet him, all his dear friends and the community that surrounded him while he was fighting this disease, especially his parents and his brother and sister,” he wrote along with pictures of the couple looking back over the years. “But my heart goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their six magical children. I’m going to sponsor something to help and I’m going to put a link in my stories. James Van Der Beek was one of the billions and he will be missed forever and I don’t know what else to say. I’m so sad. He was my friend and I loved him so much all our years and I’m thankful.❤️.”

Mary-Margaret Humes

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played James’ mother Dawson’s Creekreleased a tribute on social media in honor of his late client on February 11.

“I am rarely at a loss for words…today would be no exception. James, my kind hero, fought a hard battle against all odds with quiet strength and dignity,” Humes wrote of Instagram. “I will always love you and love you for that. Our last conversations … a few days ago … sit quietly in my heart to keep. Dawson’s Creek family of friends, please respect our silence at this time as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy at this time.”

‘Dawson’s Creek’

The official Instagram page of Dawson’s Creek discharged the debt following James’s death at age 48.

“We are saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek,” said the Minister social networks the statement was read. “His iconic portrayal of Dawson Leery helped define a generation of television fans and continues to touch audiences today. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Sasha Alexander

Sasha Alexander played Pacey Witter’s older sister, Gretchen Witter, in season 4 of Dawson’s Creek, who ends up being Dawson’s girlfriend. “I’m just so sad,” she wrote in the comments section of Mary-Margaret Humes’ Instagram post. “I am so sorry for all our losses. James was a beautiful soul and a kind person. Prayers for all his family.”

Alexander later shared an emotional tribute to Van Der Beek, uploading an Instagram post with a carousel of photos of the actor over the years, including from his time on. Dawson’s Creek.

“It feels like just yesterday we were sitting under this pink Wilmington sunset, recording in the middle of a fun time Dawson’s Creek years. What made Dawson special was the man who played him.” James was a deep, thoughtful soul. He took his job seriously, not out of selfishness, but out of care. He cared about being a great actor. He cared about doing things right and never took it for granted. But most of all, he cared about people. He cared about his family. He cared about showing his full potential. “

Alexander shared that he was “heartbroken for everyone who loved him, especially his beautiful family” and added that he was keeping them in his prayers.

“I will always be grateful that I stood in his light for a moment.” That I got to laugh with him, I got to make a promise with Dawson and grow up next to him. “Sleep in peace my friend. 🤍”

Hal Ozsan

Hal Ozsan appeared in the last season of Dawson’s Creek as Todd Carr, the film director is a mentor to James Van Der Beek’s character, Dawson.

“This morning my brother, James passed away in his sleep. I have no words to express my grief. There will be a hole for James in my heart for the rest of my life and I will never meet him again,” Ozsan wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of his former costar. “James… there are many things I can say about you brother, but the most true is that you always put your life first in everything you do. That’s why, when the time came, you left the home you built, surrounded by the love you made. We should all be lucky. What a life. What a man. What a friend. Not notes, brother. No notes.”