James Van Der Beek’s death draws outpouring of celebrity tributes

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, who died Wednesday at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek confirmed in an Instagram announcement.

As news spread, friends, co-stars and fellow actors took to social media to share their grief and honor the late “Dawson’s Creek” star.

Tributes from Friends and Co-Stars

• Busy Philipps described Mr. Van Der Beek as “one in a billion and he will be forever missed” while saying she was “so so sad” and grateful for their long friendship.
• Chad Michael Murray wrote that “James was a giant” and that his “words, art and humanity inspired all of us,” offering love and light to Mr. Van Der Beek’s family.
• Julianne Hough said Mr. Van Der Beek “created a legacy of love and light,” praising the protection and love he wrapped around his family.

Industry Figures and Friends Reflect

• Sarah Michelle Gellar shared her sorrow, saying, “I’m so sad for your beautiful family… this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world” and calling out cancer with an expletive for taking him.
• Paul Walter Hauser paid tribute with “Love you, James. I know you’re in Heaven being pampered with love” and vowed support for the Van Der Beek family.
• Julie Plec honored Mr. Van Der Beek as “a vibrant young man… a generational icon” and noted his roles as father, husband and friend.
• Reese Witherspoon said she was “devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek” and called him “extraordinary” for his kindness and grace.

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SEE ALSO: James Van Der Beek, the ‘Dawson’s Creek’ star who later mocked his own hunky persona, has died at 48

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Additional Heartfelt Messages

• Katie Holmes, who starred with Mr. Van Der Beek in “Dawson’s Creek,” shared a handwritten message on Instagram describing him as “beloved” and praising his compassion, strength and artistry.
• Emma Slater, his “Dancing with the Stars” partner, expressed that she was “so devastated” and that Mr. Van Der Beek would “always be family” to her, recalling their bond and his influence on her life.

A Legacy Remembered

Mr. Van Der Beek became a household name portraying Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek,” a defining teen drama of the late 1990s and early 2000s. His openness about his cancer diagnosis helped spotlight colorectal cancer and its impact on younger adults — a conversation many of his peers say will continue beyond his passing.

Since the announcement, a GoFundMe campaign set up to support his wife and six children has drawn significant community support.