The death of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek continues to reverberate across Hollywood. His longtime co-star Katie Holmes honored him with a deeply personal handwritten message, calling his life “the journey of a hero.”
Holmes’s Emotional Note
Holmes, who played Joey Potter opposite Van Der Beek’s Dawson Leery from 1998 to 2003, shared her tribute 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,” she wrote. She praised Van Der Beek’s compassion, bravery, and strength, reflecting on their shared memories of laughter, conversations, and music. Holmes described his devotion to his wife Kimberly and their six children as part of his heroic journey. “I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” she added.
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Support for His Family
Holmes concluded her note with a message of solidarity for Van Der Beek’s family: “To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”
Co-Stars Pay Tribute
Busy Philipps, another Dawson’s Creek alum, also shared her grief, writing: “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today… but I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children.” Philipps encouraged fans to support the family through a GoFundMe campaign. Other co-stars, including Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson, have expressed their sadness, remembering Van Der Beek as a beloved friend and colleague.
His Battle With Cancer
Van Der Beek died at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer. He first revealed his diagnosis in November 2024 and had to withdraw from a planned Dawson’s Creek reunion in 2025 due to illness. Despite his health struggles, he remained devoted to his family, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
A Lasting Legacy
Van Der Beek’s role as Dawson Leery made him a household name, and his career spanned film, television, and stage. Holmes’s tribute highlights not only his professional achievements but also his personal strength and devotion to family. As tributes continue to pour in, his legacy as both an actor and a father remains deeply cherished.
