Dawson's Creek cast pays tribute to James Van Der Beek

The actors who starred in Dawson's Creek have paid tribute to James Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with bowel cancer. His family confirmed his death on Wednesday.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the family said in a statement on Van Der Beek’s Instagram. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, 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.”

Van Der Beek is best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the teen drama Dawson's Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. His other work includes the films Varsity Blues and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, as well as the series CSI: Cyber. He also had a notable role playing a fictionalized version of himself in Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23. 

In September, a "Dawson’s Creek Class Reunion" event was held in support of the actor and the charity F Cancer, featuring several former co-stars, including Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson. James Van Der Beek was unable to make it after contracting two stomach viruses. Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda took over for Bleek, expressing that his "whole heart" was with the family.

Tributes have poured in for Van Der Beek, with many of his former co-stars sharing their grief.

"I formed some words with a heavy heart," said Holmes on Instgram. "This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will always be here for you and your beautiful children."

 

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Chad Michael Murray, known for One Tree Hill, also appeared in Dawson’s Creek. He posted on Instagram: "He was a blessing to his family, he was a blessing to us."

Kristen Ritter, who stars in Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23, posted on her Instagram story, “Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny empathetic, kind, talented, and just pure magic. Love you so much, James and fake James.”

Reese Witherspoon shared a statement on Instagram, describing Van Der Beek as "an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action."

Fellow Dawson’s Creek actors Busy Philipps, Kerr Smith, and Mary-Margaret Humes were among the many celebrities who paid tribute to the late actor. Others included Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ben Stiller, Selma Blair, Alec Baldwin, Melissa Joan Hart, Christie Brinkley, and Rosie O’Donnell.

A GoFundMe page to support the actor’s family was shared on Kimberly Van Der Beek’s Instagram Stories. The page stated that the family was left without funds due to the costs of the medical care and the extended fight against cancer.