James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leery on the hit television series Dawson's Creek, has passed away at the age of 48. His death on Wednesday followed a courageous battle with colorectal cancer, a fight he had publicly disclosed in November 2024. The news has prompted an outpouring of grief and heartfelt tributes from his former co-stars, friends, and fans across the entertainment industry.
Emotional Tributes from Dawson's Creek Cast
Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter opposite Van Der Beek's Dawson Leery, shared a handwritten note on Instagram expressing her profound sorrow. "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 praised his compassion, bravery, selflessness, and strength, recalling cherished memories of their time together. She also extended her support to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children, emphasizing the enduring bond among the cast.
Other cast members joined in mourning. Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed Van Der Beek's mother on the show, called him "my gracious warrior" and reflected on their recent conversations. Busy Philipps, who joined the series in its fifth season, expressed her heartbreak, stating, "James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed." Chad Michael Murray hailed him as "a giant" whose artistry and humanity inspired many. The official Instagram page for Dawson's Creek acknowledged his iconic role, noting that it helped define a generation of television and continues to resonate with audiences today.
Fundraiser Launched for His Family
In the wake of his passing, friends of the late actor have initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support his widow and children. Kimberly Van Der Beek shared the fundraiser on her Instagram Story, expressing both gratitude and a broken heart. The campaign description reveals the significant financial strain the family faced during his cancer treatment, including medical expenses that depleted their resources. At one point, Van Der Beek was forced to auction off memorabilia to help cover costs, and his castmates organized a live reading of the Dawson's Creek premiere to raise funds.
The fundraiser aims to provide stability for the family, helping them stay in their home and ensure the children's education continues. As of Thursday morning, it had garnered thousands of donations and was progressing toward its $1.5 million goal, demonstrating the widespread support from the community and fans.
A Legacy of Resilience and Family
Van Der Beek's battle with cancer was marked by optimism and resilience. When he announced his diagnosis, he expressed hope, saying, "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good." His wife, Kimberly, announced his peaceful passing in an Instagram post, noting that he met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. She hinted at future sharing of his wishes and reflections on life's sacredness.
In his final social media post last month, Van Der Beek celebrated the shared birthday of his father and his 12-year-old daughter, Annabel, highlighting the open, warm, and loving hearts they both possessed. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
Dawson's Creek, which aired for six seasons starting in 1998, catapulted Van Der Beek and his co-stars to stardom, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. His passing is a profound loss to the entertainment world, remembered through the tributes of those who knew him best and the enduring legacy of his work.
