James Van Der Beek’s death at age 48 has sparked an outpouring of grief and tributes from family, friends, and fans following the announcement on Wednesday.
The Dawson’s Creek actor died after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he publicly revealed in November 2024. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
Kimberly shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing:
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
“There is much to share regarding his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Following the news, fellow celebrities including Jennifer Garner and Lin-Manuel Miranda shared tributes, along with many of Van Der Beek’s former co-stars.
Busy Philipps, who starred alongside him on Dawson’s Creek, described him as “one in a billion.”
“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,” Philipps wrote. “Every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, and all of his dear friends and community who surrounded him as he battled this illness.”
Reese Witherspoon ‘devastated’ by the loss
Reese Witherspoon, who recently worked with Van Der Beek on the upcoming Legally Blonde television prequel Elle, said she was “devastated” by the news.
“What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,” Witherspoon wrote on Instagram Stories. “Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”
Van Der Beek had filmed a recurring role in Elle as Dean Wilson, a local school superintendent and mayoral candidate. The series is produced by Witherspoon’s company, Hello Sunshine.
Emma Slater remembers him as ‘family’
Emma Slater, Van Der Beek’s partner on season 28 of Dancing With the Stars in 2019, also paid tribute, saying their partnership grew into a deep friendship.
“What began as a ballroom partnership continued into the deepest of friendships,” Slater wrote. “All those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives are blessed. Forever changed by your brilliance.”
Slater shared that she had seen him shortly before his death. “We laughed together,” she wrote. “And I promised I would feel your presence always, as I already have.”
Melissa Joan Hart honors his kindness
Melissa Joan Hart remembered Van Der Beek as “truly a nice guy” and a devoted father. The two worked together when he guest-starred on a 1993 episode of Clarissa Explains It All.
“He was truly a nice guy, a great father, a wonderful actor, and will always be my first on-screen kiss,” Hart wrote. “Gone way too soon, but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight.”
Dawson’s Creek cast pays tribute
Several of Van Der Beek’s Dawson’s Creek co-stars shared memories and messages following his passing.
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother Gail Leery, described him as a “gracious warrior” who faced illness with “quiet strength and dignity.”
Sasha Alexander, who portrayed his love interest Gretchen Witter, said, “What made Dawson special was the man who played him,” calling Van Der Beek “a deep, thoughtful soul.”
Chad Michael Murray added that Van Der Beek “inspired us to be better in all ways,” writing, “James was a giant.”
Memoir in progress
Van Der Beek had been quietly working on a memoir in the months leading up to his death, writing between filming commitments. It remains unclear how much of the manuscript was completed or whether it will be published posthumously.