James Van Der Beek was an iconic entertainer, and it felt like I grew up alongside him as he portrayed Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003. I’m sure millions of other fans felt the same way. That made his early death feel especially painful even for those of us who never got to meet him.

After his star-making portrayal of Dawson, Van Der Beek went on to have a prolific, varied career in television and film that included the movie Formosa Betrayed and a memorable run on Dancing with the Stars. After fighting colorectal cancer for three years, James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

The cast of Dawson’s Creek showed their support for James and his family in multiple ways during his fight against cancer. Michelle Williams, who played Jen on the show, organized a Dawson’s Creek reunion event and live reading of the show’s 1998 pilot episode at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City on September 22, 2025. It was created to benefit Van Der Beek and F Cancer, according to Variety. Although James got ill with a stomach bug at the last minute and couldn’t attend, his family was there, and they were embraced and welcomed on stage. The entire original cast and the show’s creator, Kevin Williamson, participated.

The cast continue to rally around James Van Der Beek’s family. Since his passing, many Dawson’s Creek cast members have posted about his life and legacy. Here’s what they have to say.

Michelle Williams said she thinks of James and his family constantly

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1, shortly after his passing, Michelle Williams was asked about James Van Der Beek. Williams, who played Jen Lindley on Dawson’s Creek, said that she thinks of Van Der Beek and his family constantly. She added, “I also just want to say, like, it’s been such an amazing thing as James’ friend and a friend of the family to see the response in the wake of his passing, and I just really want to say thank you to each and every person who contributed to sustaining their life and their children’s lives,. It’s an incredibly meaningful thing to witness.”

Katie Holmes expressed her gratitude for being a part of his journey

Katie Holmes posted a handwritten tribute to James Van Der Beek to her Instagram page, and she shared, “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.” She ended her post with a heart emoji.

Kevin Williamson remembered the ‘beautiful brilliance’ of James

Kevin Williamson posted a tribute to James Van Der Beek on Instagram and expressed his care for his family. Part of his post stated, “To everyone, thank you for your outpouring of love. It has been felt. Several times today, from my heart, I’ve tried to form the words to express the beautiful brilliance of James and what his presence has meant to my life. But I am truly at a loss for words. I will have to trust that one day those words will come… But today, all I can think about is Kimberly and the entire Van Der Beek family. My heart is with you.”

Meredith Monroe said James’s legacy is his light

Meredith Monroe, who played Andie McPhee on Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2003, took a couple of weeks to process the loss. She posted a tribute to James on her Instagram page on February 26, expressing how James, his wife Kimberly, their children, and families have are constantly in her thoughts, prayers, and on her heart.”

“I’ve been flooded with fond memories of our friendship that we shared over the years & this is what’s come from them.”

“Your legacy is your light,” she shared, continuing to say that, whether James was at a party, an event, or in her art, he shared his light through his humor and laughter. She also pointed out how he shared his light through his curiosity, time, and energy both in others and the world around him. She stated that he shared his light through his ability to be completely present and make others feeling welcome and comfortable. She said he also shared his light through his sincereity, friendship, compassion, and love.

She concluded her tribute, “James, may the love & community that your light has built worldwide be reflected back infinitely upon your beautiful wife Kimberly, your amazing children & your family. God gained an angel far too soon. Rest in peace.”

Chad Michael Murray called James a ‘giant’

Chad Michael Murray, who portrayed Charlie Todd in he fifth season of Dawson’s Creek, posted a comment on the Instagram post that announced James Van Der Beek’s passing. Murray shared, “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”

John Wesley Shipp offered his ‘respect and affection’

John Wesley Shipp, who played Dawson’s dad Mitch Leery, also shared a tribute on his Instagram page. In his heartfelt post, he expressed care for James’s family, and he concluded his tribute by stating, “I can only say that I am grateful for you, James, your generosity with me as an actor, your desire to breathe life and truth into the often quirky father/son moments we shared together onscreen. I offer up respect and affection at your passing. For the moving, serious, often hilarious moments we entered into in the process of creating, and for memories that will last beyond our lifetimes.”