‘Dawson’s Creek’ Cast Reacts to James Van Der Beek’s Death at Age 48: ‘Forever Missed’

The Dawson’s Creek cast is mourning the death of their costar James Van Der Beek following his death at age 48.

Van Der Beek’s family confirmed on Wednesday, February 11, that the actor, who portrayed the titular character on the hit ‘90s teen drama, had died following a battle with colorectal cancer.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared in a statement shared via his Instagram at the time. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Van Der Beek announced his stage III colorectal cancer in November 2024. His Capeside Crew — including Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Kerr Smith and more — came together one year later in September 2025 for a one-night only Dawson’s Creek reunion to help raise money for F Cancer and Van Der Beek, performing a live reading of the show’s pilot at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.

“James and I were actually talking about [a reunion] back in April or May. We were doing a convention together out in, I think it was Pittsburgh, and he had mentioned that Michelle wanted to do this and put it together,” Smith, 53, exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2025 about how the reunion first came together. “So it’s Michelle’s baby, as far as I’m aware. She gets the credit. And I’m just glad she’s doing it, because it’s going to be fun to see all those guys. And when I was pitched, I’m like, ‘Of course, I’m in. This is fantastic.’ I mean, it helps, James.”

While Van Der Beek was ultimately not in attendance for the event, as he was forced to drop out last minute due to a stomach flu, Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read the part of Dawson in his absence. The reunion sold out in 12 minutes, with tickets priced from $199 to $1,200, raising thousands of dollars for the cause.

Dawson’s Creek ran on The WB from 1998 to 2003 and followed Van Der Beek’s Dawson Leery as he navigated the ups and downs of teenagehood alongside his on-and-off love interest Joey Potter (Holmes), best friend Pacey Witter (Jackson) and mysterious new neighbor Jen Lindley (Williams). Smith, Meredith Monroe, Busy Philipps, John Wesley Shipp and Mary-Margaret Humes also starred.

Following his death, the cast took to social media to honor the life of their longtime friend. Keep scrolling for every heartfelt tribute about Van Der Beek from the Dawson’s Creek cast:

Katie Holmes

“James, thank you. To share 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…,” Holmes, 47, shared in an emotional handwritten letter posted via Instagram on Thursday, February 12. “These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth…”

“Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero,” she wrote.

“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” said the actress. “To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion,” Holmes concluded.

Kerr Smith

“I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother,” Kerr Smith, who portrayed Jack McPhee on seasons 2 through 6 of the show, wrote via Instagram. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”

Chad Michael Murray

“Sending love and light to your beautiful family,” Chad Michael Murray, who played Charlie during Dawson’s Creek’s college years, wrote in the comments section of James’ Instagram. “James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys🙏.”

Busy Philipps

Philipps, who portrayed Joey’s roommate Audrey on Dawson’s Creek, shared an emotional tribute via Instagram. “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister,” she wrote alongside throwback photos of the pair through the years. “But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i’ll put the link in my stories. 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.❤️.”

Mary-Margaret Humes