Katie Holmes leads tributes to ‘Dawson’s Creek’ co-star James Van Der Beek: “He is beloved”

Posted On February 12, 2026February 12, 2026

Katie Holmes has led the tributes to her late Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11th, aged 48.

Holmes and Van Der Beek both rose to fame on the hit series, which first aired in 1998, with the two actors portraying the romantic couple Joey Potter and Dawson Leery.

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023, and last year, due to health problems, he missed out on reuniting with the Dawson’s Creek cast, including Holmes, for a read-through of the pilot episode in front of an audience.

Now, Holmes has shared a handwritten letter to Van Der Beek, admitting that his death is “a lot to process”. She also added in the caption, “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.”

In the letter, Holmes wrote, “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 also praised his “compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength”, as well as saying Van Der Beek had “an appreciation for life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero”.

Holmes said her grief is “with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”

The Hollywood star concluded with a message to Van Der Beek’s family and children, stating, “We are here for you always”, and promising to “always be there to shower you with love and compassion”.

Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, has since launched a GoFundMe page to cover the family’s essential living expenses, bills, and the education of their six children after their finances were left depleted by his cancer battle.

At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised more than $1.1 million for the Van Der Beek family, and aims to reach $1.3 million.