Katie Holmes Shares Heartfelt Tribute To ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Co-Star James Van Der Beek

Actress Katie Holmes, who starred alongside James Van Der Beek on the popular teen drama “Dawson’s Creek” in the late 1990s, shared a moving tribute to her longtime friend following his death from cancer at the age of 48.

Holmes posted a handwritten letter dedicated to Van Der Beek on Instagram that began, “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.”

“These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth,” she continued, before describing Van Der Beek as possessing “compassion, bravery, selflessness, and strength.”

 

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“An appreciation for life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a Hero,” Holmes went on. “I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his impact on it.”

Holmes wrote in the Instagram post caption that Van Der Beek’s death was “a lot to process,” and that her tribute was written with a “heavy heart.”

“I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children,” she added in the caption, referencing Van Der Beek’s widow and kids.

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023 and had been candid about sharing his experiences after publicly revealing his diagnosis the following year. Last September, he had to cancel an appearance at a scheduled “Dawson’s Creek” reunion event due to his ongoing illness.

The actor sent a pre-recorded video message to the event to share with fans. “I want to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight,” he said in the clip. “From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you – you are the best fans in the world.”

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.