Katie Holmes Breaks Silence: Emotional Tribute to James Van Der Beek Will Leave You in Tears

Katie Holmes has shared a heartfelt tribute to her late Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who died Wednesday at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

A Handwritten Letter

Holmes, who played Joey Potter opposite Van Der Beek’s Dawson Leery, posted a handwritten letter to Instagram reflecting on their time together. She admitted his passing was “a lot to process” and thanked him for their shared creative journey.

“James, thank you. To share a space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression,” she wrote. Holmes recalled memories of laughter, conversations about life, and listening to James Taylor songs during their youth on the series.

Honoring His Legacy

Holmes praised Van Der Beek’s compassion, bravery, and strength, describing his life as “the journey of a hero.” She highlighted his devotion to his family, noting his marriage and six children as part of his legacy. “I mourn this loss with a heavy heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” she added.

Dawson’s Creek Connection

Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late 1990s as the star of Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003. Holmes’s tribute underscores the deep bond shared by the cast during the show’s run. Other co-stars, including Krysten Ritter, Busy Philipps, and Mary-Margaret Humes, also posted tributes honoring his memory.

Health Struggles

Van Der Beek revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. In 2025, he was forced to miss a one-night-only Dawson’s Creek reunion in New York due to illness, with Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping in to read his role. Holmes’s tribute reflects the profound impact Van Der Beek had on those around him, both on-screen and off, leaving behind a legacy of artistry, resilience, and family devotion.