Katie Holmes has expressed a heartfelt tribute to her former Dawson’s Creek co-star, James Van Der Beek, through a handwritten letter that she posted on social media.
James Van Der Beek’s family announced his passing on February 11, stating that the actor died at the age of 48.
The family released a statement saying, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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.”
While the family’s announcement did not specify the cause of his death, Van Der Beek had previously disclosed in 2024 that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and had been privately battling the illness since 2023.
In an interview with NBC6, he once stated, “It’s been the wildest, hardest journey I’ve ever had in this lifetime. It’s required more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had, quite frankly. But there’s also been a lot of beauty in it.”
Van Der Beek gained fame primarily for his role in the popular teen drama Dawson’s Creek.
Katie Holmes, who also starred in the series as his character’s love interest, recently posted a heartfelt tribute to the late actor.
She shared an image of a handwritten letter dedicated to Van Der Beek after learning of his passing.
In the Instagram caption alongside the letter, Holmes wrote: “I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
The letter itself expressed: “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 others; hearts are safe in their expression…
“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.
“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.
“To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”