Tributes Pour in for James Van Der Beek Following His Passing

Thu Feb 12 2026 23:58:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Dawson's Creek stars lead heartfelt tributes to their beloved co-star James Van Der Beek, who passed away at 48 from bowel cancer, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and camaraderie.

James Van Der Beek, beloved star of Dawson's Creek, has died at the age of 48 after battling bowel cancer. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars and friends, including Busy Philipps and Mary-Margaret Humes, who remember him as a 'one in a billion' individual. A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to support his widow, Kimberly, and their six children.

Dawson's Creek actors have led tributes to James Van Der Beek, who has died aged 48 after suffering from bowel cancer. The star was diagnosed with the disease in the latter half of 2023 but only revealed the news in November 2024.

Among those who reacted to Van Der Beek's death was his Dawson's Creek co-star Busy Philipps, who played a university roommate of Joey Potter, portrayed by Katie Holmes. In a post on Instagram, Philipps wrote: James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and I don't know what else to say. I am just so so sad. He was my friend and I loved him and I'm so grateful for our friendship all these years.

She urged her 2.4m followers to help out his family through the online fundraiser that they had set up to help with medical bills and other expenses. The GoFundMe page posted online on Wednesday solicited donations to assist Van Der Beek's widow Kimberley and their six children, whose ages range from four to 15.

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Van Der Beek's mother on Dawson's Creek shared an Instagram tribute in honour of her late co-star. Rarely am I at a loss for words ... today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity, she wrote alongside two photos of them together.

Philipps and Van Der Beek reunited onscreen in 2012 for an episode of the ABC comedy Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, in which Van Der Beek played a fictionalised version of himself. Actress Krysten Ritter remembered Van Der Beek as a beautiful human inside and out, describing him as smart, funny, and kind.

While Van Der Beek was set to reunite with his Dawson's Creek co-stars - including Oscar winner Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, and Joshua Jackson last September - the actor could only make a video appearance due to his illness. His death has resonated deeply among his friends and colleagues, many of whom shared their heartfelt messages through social media.