The cast of Dawson’s Creek is honoring their friend and former co-star James Van Der Beek following news of his passing at age 48.
Van Der Beek, who became a household name as Dawson Leery on the late-’90s coming-of-age drama, died after a battle with colorectal cancer. The actor is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
Among the first to speak publicly was Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter opposite Van Der Beek’s earnest filmmaker. In a brief but emotional statement, Holmes described him as “beloved,” reflecting on his warmth, dedication to his craft, and the kindness he extended long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Busy Philipps, who portrayed Audrey Liddell in later seasons of the series, shared her own tribute, recalling his generosity and sense of humor on set. “He had a way of making everyone feel included,” she wrote, emphasizing the tight-knit bond that formed during the show’s six-season run.
Joshua Jackson, remembered by fans as Pacey Witter, also paid homage to his longtime friend, noting that their shared formative years in Wilmington, North Carolina, created a connection that extended well beyond television.
For many fans, Dawson’s Creek was more than a show—it was a defining cultural moment of late-’90s television. Van Der Beek’s portrayal of the earnest, overly articulate Dawson anchored the series and helped usher in a new era of teen drama that balanced heightened emotion with self-awareness.
In the years since, the cast frequently spoke about the enduring camaraderie forged during those early days. Reunions, interviews, and social media exchanges often revealed genuine affection beneath the nostalgia.
Now, that affection has transformed into collective mourning.
As tributes continue to pour in from across Hollywood and beyond, one message resonates clearly from his former castmates: James Van Der Beek was not only a defining face of a generation’s television—but a cherished friend.
