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Hollywood in mourning James Van Der BeekHe was only 48 years old when he died.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He lived his final days with courage, faith and grace.” Statement shared via Instagram Read on Wednesday, February 11th. “There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our dear husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Van Der Beek died after a years-long battle with cancer. this dawson creek Star announced in November 2024 that he Diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer August 2023.
“I have been dealing with this diagnosis privately and taking steps to address it with the support of my family,” the actor told reporters. people in a statement at the time. “There’s reason to be optimistic, and I feel good.”
James Van Der Beek, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Rumer Willis.
Getty Images(3)this dawson creek The cast rallied around Van Der Beek during his illness, even hosting a party in September 2025 to raise funds for the actor and the nonprofit F Cancer. However van der Beek Missed New York City event Due to two stomach problems.
“Despite all my efforts…I just can’t get there,” he wrote on Instagram at the time. “I wouldn’t stand on that stage and thank everyone in the theater for showing up and fighting cancer for me when I needed it most.”
Keep scrolling to see which stars are speaking out following Van de Beek’s death:
Ever since Dawson’s Creek premiered in 1998, the show has become a fan favorite and remains one of the most popular teen dramas on the small screen. The show follows the life of Joey Porter (Katie Holmes), a tomboy who is trying to finish high school after the death of (…)
Sarah Michelle Gellar
“I feel so sad for your beautiful family,” the actress wrote. “While James’ legacy will live on forever, this is a huge loss not only to your family but to the world. F*** cancer.”
Rumer Willis
Willis wrote that she kept the VanderBeek family “in my heart” after VanderBeek’s death.
“I am so lucky to have you in my life for so long. James has set the standard for me as a husband, father and big brother,” she continued. “I am so grateful to have been able to witness your love, respect and care for each other. Sending all my love and light to you all.”
Paul Walter Hauser
“Love you, James. I know you are loved and loved in heaven,” the actor said. Partner with Cameo to raise funds Van Der Beek and his wife wrote via Instagram. “The Van Der Beek family will be participating in our daily prayers and we will be raising some funds to support your beautiful family. Thank you for your hard work and for being one of the good guys.”
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
“We are so lucky to be a part of his tribe,” the “Sopranos” alum wrote in a comment on Instagram. “Spread your wings, James. You are everything good in this world.”
Chad Michael Murray
“Sending love and light to your beautiful family,” the actor commented. “James was a giant. We are very, very, very sorry for what you have been through. His words, artistry and humanity inspired us all – he inspired us to be better in every way. God bless you all.”
James Van Der Beek opened up about his battle with colorectal cancer before his death in 2026. “Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world are diagnosed with colorectal cancer. I am one of them,” the Dawson’s Creek alum shared in an Instagram post at the time, noting that he was “in a good place and feeling…”
Jenna Johnson
Van de Beek attended dancing with the stars In 2019, the professional dancer shared a sweet message after news of his death broke.
“An incredible father, husband, artist and so much more,” she wrote. “Sending all the love and comfort to your family.”
Emma Slater
Van Der Beek’s DWTS partner left a sweet comment after news of his death broke.
“I am devastated. He is and will always be family to me,” she wrote. “Love you so much, James. You are a man that I can be proud of. So grateful that I was there to say goodbye to you.”
Hayley Kiyoko
“Omg I’m so sorry for you and your family,” the singer wrote in an Instagram comment. “He always led with kindness and love. His light will continue.”
Hilaria Baldwin
“Sending so much love,” she wrote. “I’m sorry.”
Mehcad Brooks
The actor shared a sweet tribute on social media.
“Being with you these past few days has been the greatest honor of my life,” he wrote. “Until we see my beautiful brother again.”
Tyler Posey
“Love you bro,” the actor commented in an Instagram statement announcing his death.
Jenna Dewan
“I will always remember your sweet and gentle soul. My love and prayers to Kim and the entire family,” she wrote, referring to the actor’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
Danica McKellar
the wonder years In tributes, alumni called Van Der Beek a “beautiful soul” and called his death an “unimaginably tragic loss.”
“Praying peace to your family as you deal with this,” she added. “We’re all here for you.”
James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, February 11 at the age of 48, just two months before his death, he shared an uplifting message about his cancer diagnosis. “When I heard the news (about my colorectal cancer diagnosis), I was shocked,” Van Der Beek admitted to Craig Melvin Today on December 19, 2025, in which (…)
Hannah Brown
former spinster The stars are contestants of the same session Distributed WTS Van de Beek season.
“So heartbreaking to hear this news,” she wrote. “I am so grateful to have met James and experienced his light, joy and talent. Sending so much love and prayers to your beautiful family.”
Kellan Lutz
“So sorry for your, your family, and the world’s loss,” the actor shared.
Benito Skinner
In his tribute, the actor called Van Der Beek a “legend in every way.”
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano, who was part of the WB family along with James Van Der Beek, wrote a touching tribute to her late friend.
“There are some people in this industry who are talented. Some people who are charming. Some people who are generous. And there are those rare people — people who are truly kind and thoughtful. James is that rare kind. He serves his people. He listens. He cares,” she wrote on Instagram, along with a photo of the actor and his family. “Above all, he loved being a husband and father. Few people cherished that role more than he did. He was simply a unicorn among men.”
Milano continued: “My heart aches for his family. But I know he will always be a part of everything they did. Every flower. Every giggle. Everything. Forever. That’s what his love did.”
Paula Cole
Paula Cole, who sang the iconic theme song to “Dawson’s Creek,” paid tribute to James Van Der Beek in the comments section of the announcement of his death.
“Bodhisattva. His kindness still shines through. I’m so sorry and sending my loving consolation to your beautiful family. Much love,” the singer replied.
Joel McHale
this Community Alumni reacted to James Van Der Beek’s passing in the comments section, writing: “One of the nicest, kindest men who ever lived.”
Jana Kramer
Jana Kramer took to the comments section to express her condolences to the family of James Van Der Beek.
“Praying for your family❤️,” one tree hill the alum replied.
Noah Baker
Movies starring Noah Baker watch film with James Van Der Beek, shared a post in memory of her late co-star.
“Man this hurts. James you are the best,” he wrote in a video of him and Van Der Beek on set. “Such a kind, so loving, so caring, such a talented, great dad and an absolute human inspiration. I feel so blessed to have met you and shared the screen with you as my dad. You are the best mentor I could have ever asked for.”
Selma Blair
Selma Blair has posted a tribute to her late friend.
“James Van Der Beek…we started out in this town at the same time and I’ve always admired and admired you so much,” the actress said via Instagram. “More importantly, when I met your wife and saw your wholehearted love for this growing family, it filled me with so much gratitude for your presence… You will always be through them. And your work. And your heart. You will be missed… I send all my love to your beautiful family. So much love.”
Krysten Ritter
Krysten Ritter Remember Here Don’t trust B in apartment 23 co-star in a sweet post.
“Such bad news today,” the actress wrote on her Instagram Story, along with a photo of her and James Van Der Beek. “A beautiful human being inside and out. Smart, funny, understanding, kind, talented, and just pure magic. I am so grateful for our friendship but heartbroken. All my love goes out to his wonderful wife Kimberly and their children.”
Viola Davis
Viola Davis pays tribute to James Van Der Beek following his death.
“I remember you saying what you learned on your cancer journey,” she captioned a throwback clip of the late actor. “You are worthy of God’s love…right now…period. What a beautiful lesson…and what a legacy to leave for your children, family, loved ones…us. Rest well…and know your name will be spoken 🕊❤️🙏🏿.”
Eric Stonestreet
Eric Stonestreet remembered James Van Der Beek as he recalled a charity event they attended together.
“Just invite James to the Big Slick in Kansas City once. He’s happy to do whatever needs to be done for the kids at Children’s Mercy Hospital,” modern family alum wrote via Instagram. “He was a kind, funny, charming, handsome man. Please forward all comments below to his wife, family and beautiful children.”
Stonestreet continued, “It’s funny how life works in circles. The first ‘Hollywood Party’ I ever attended was at James’ house in 1999. I kept telling my friends I was going to James Van Der Beek’s house. And then, back to square one, I was honored to work with him and call him a friend after all these years. RIP James.”
Lindsay Arnold
“It’s so heartbreaking. James has always been a kind and genuine man,” dancing with the stars the pro wrote via her Instagram Story. “Sending so much love to his wife and children.”
Melissa Joan Hart
Melissa Joan Hart pays tribute to her ex Clarissa explains it all Costa Rica — and first on-screen kiss — in a touching tribute post.
“Heartbroken to hear the news that @vanderjames has passed away! He was truly a good man, a great father, a wonderful actor, and will forever be my first on-screen kiss when he guest-starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll,” she wrote on Instagram. “Although gone far too soon, he seemed to have put up a great fight. We met on the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter and encouraged her like a good dad. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 6 children, his wife and family!”
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda replaced James Van Der Beek in recent games dawson creek Reunion to honor the late actor.
“My thoughts are with the @vanderkimberly @vanderjames family today,” the Broadway star wrote on a selfie of him, James’ wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s children.
reese witherspoon
“I am so shocked to hear the news about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man he was who showed tremendous kindness and grace in his every move,” Reese Witherspoon wrote on her Instagram Stories. “Praying that all the angels are watching over his family during this difficult time.”
