Katie Holmes Honors Dawson’s Creek Costar James Van Der Beek After His Death at 48: ‘He Is Beloved’

James Van Der Beek’s Dawson’s Creek costar Katie Holmes is honoring the actor following his death on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at age 48.

In a handwritten tribute shared on Instagram, Holmes said the loss was “a lot to process,” adding that she was writing with a “heavy heart.”

“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,” Holmes wrote, referencing his family.

Her message opened by addressing Van Der Beek directly, reflecting on what it meant to work alongside him during the series’ run from 1998 to 2003.

“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 continued by recalling the memories they shared over the years: “These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth.”

She then highlighted qualities she admired in him, including “compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength,” and wrote about his devotion to his family and his approach to life as something artistic and meaningful.

Holmes said she mourns him “with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.” She closed by again addressing his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, promising continued support and love.

Van Der Beek had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023 and shared the news publicly the following year.

On Dawson’s Creek, he played Dawson Leery, an aspiring filmmaker navigating life and relationships in Capeside. Holmes played Joey Potter, Dawson’s longtime best friend and love interest, while Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams also starred as Pacey Witter and Jen Lindley. Busy Philipps later joined as Audrey Liddell, Joey’s college roommate, and the ensemble cast also included Mary Beth Peil, John Wesley Shipp, Mary-Margaret Humes, Nina Repeta, Kerr Smith and Meredith Monroe.

Philipps also shared a tribute, calling Van Der Beek “one in a billion.” In her message, she wrote that her heart was hurting for everyone who knew and loved him, and especially for his wife and children. She encouraged fans to support a GoFundMe created to help the family, adding that she was grateful for their friendship and deeply saddened by his passing.

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother on the show, also posted a tribute and reflected on speaking with him just days earlier. She described him as a “gracious warrior,” praised his strength and dignity, and asked for privacy on behalf of his family.

Last year, the cast reunited for a one-night charity event in New York City on Sept. 22, 2025. The group held a live reading of the pilot episode to benefit F Cancer and support Van Der Beek. Although he withdrew from appearing the day before due to health concerns, he appeared in a pre-recorded message thanking the cast, crew and fans, and expressing how humbled he was by the support.