James Van Der Beek’s Dawson’s Creek co-star Katie Holmes shares memories of her ‘adventures of a unique youth’ with her ‘beloved hero’ as she vows to ‘always be there’ for his wife Kimberly and their six children

Katie Holmes shared an emotional tribute following the death of her Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek at the age of 48.

James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced the news of his passing on Wednesday after a courageous two-year battle with colorectal cancer.

Katie played Joey Potter in the hit teen series; In the series, James’ on-and-off love affair with his character, Dawson, formed the central storyline of the series’ five-year run.

In a touching handwritten note posted on her Instagram page on Thursday morning, she paid tribute to the ‘adventures of a unique youth’ the pair shared.

‘I formed a few words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I’m so grateful to have shared a piece of James’ journey. “He is loved,” the actor wrote, before promising to take care of his friend’s financially struggling widow and six children during his cancer treatment.

‘James. Thank you. Sharing space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in the world of imagination and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression…’ Katie wrote in her note.

He paid tribute to the pair’s shared ‘adventures of a unique youth’ in a touching handwritten note shared on his Instagram page on Thursday morning.

Sharing her memories of the time she spent with James on the set of Dawson’s Creek, the actress continued: ‘These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs, the adventures of a unique youth…’

‘Bravery. Mercy. Selfishness. Force. Appreciation of life and action to live life with the fullness that life is art – creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children – a Hero’s journey.’

‘I mourn this loss with a heart that bears the reality of his absence and with deep gratitude for the mark he left on it,’ he added.

‘To Kimberly and the kids, we are always here for you. And I will always be there to shower you with Love and affection.’

James’ wife shared the news of her husband’s death on Instagram on Wednesday, writing: ‘Dear James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith and grace.

‘He has so much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peace and privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.’

James and Kimberly had six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.

A. GoFundMe page It was also created to raise funds to support the late actor’s family.

Katie played Joey Potter in the hit teen series; In the series, James’ on-and-off love affair with his character, Dawson, formed the central storyline of the series’ five-year run.

Katie, along with her Dawson’s Creek co-stars Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson, reunited for a charity event last September to raise money for James’ treatment (pictured from the show)

The actor worried fans when he looked visibly skinny during a virtual appearance at the Dawson’s Creek reunion

James is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.

The actor passed away on February 11 after a ‘long and courageous battle with cancer’, his family confirmed in a statement.

It also shared, ‘Throughout his illness the family faced not only emotional difficulties but also significant financial difficulties as they did everything possible to support and care for James…’

Katie reunited with her Dawson’s Creek co-stars Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson for a charity event last September to raise funds for James’ treatment and the non-profit organization F Cancer.

James was due to attend the one-night-only charity event but had to withdraw at the last minute due to ill health.

The actor announced his diagnosis of stage three colorectal cancer in November 2024, revealing that he was diagnosed a year ago.

“There are no guidelines on how to publicize these, but I had planned to speak at length with People magazine about this issue recently to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms,” she wrote on social media.

Sharing memories of her time with James on the set of Dawson’s Creek, Katie wrote ‘the adventures of a unique youth…’

On Wednesday, James’ loved ones confirmed the actor’s death on social media.

‘But this plan had to be changed when we received news that a tabloid newspaper was going to publish this story early this morning.

‘Until now I’ve been dealing with this privately, receiving treatment and managing my general health with more focus than ever before. I’m in a good place and I feel strong. It’s quite the beginning and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.

‘I’m sorry to all the people in my life that I planned to tell myself. Nothing about this process happened on my preferred timeline… But we go at it, taking every surprise as a signpost, pointing us towards a destiny greater than we could ever discover without divine intervention. Please know that my family and I are so grateful for all your love and support.’

Then James said People He was recovering from his health scare ‘with the support of my incredible family’.

And it’s slowed down dramatically in the last two years: ‘The beauty of taking things a little slower, prioritizing rest, and really letting that be the work, I’m just on the journey,’ he said during an interview on Today.

The actor added: ‘It’s a process. ‘This will be a process that will probably last for the rest of my life.’

The star had often updated her fans on social media about her cancer journey.

‘I feel a little better every month. It required more from me; more patience, more discipline,” he said late last year, discussing his weight loss. ‘More power than I ever knew I had. In the emotional conversation, the star said, “I knew I was strong, I didn’t know I was this strong.”

Her last Instagram post was on January 25, where she looked slim but healthy. He wished his daughter and father a happy birthday

Her last Instagram post was on January 25, where she looked slim but healthy. He wished his daughter and father a happy birthday.

The star moved from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas, with her family in 2020 for a simpler life as they lived on a farm.

Van Der Beek rose to fame in the ’90s when she was 20 years old as Dawson’s Creek’s teenage heartthrob, Dawson Leery.

The series ran for six seasons on the WB Network from 1998 to 2003 and also launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson.

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother Gale Leery, also shared a touching tribute. ‘to my merciful warrior’.

‘I am rarely at a loss for words… today may be an exception. “James, my graceful warrior, you fought a tough fight against all odds with quiet strength and honor,” the actress wrote alongside a photo of herself and James on the set of Dawson’s Creek.

Mary-Margaret Humes, who plays Dawson’s mother Gale Leery, also shared a touching tribute to my ‘merciful warrior’

In a post on Wednesday night, Mary-Margaret wrote about her final conversations with her on-screen son

‘That’s why I will always love and appreciate you. Our last conversations… just a few days ago… will remain safe in my heart forever.’

Mary ended her post with a plea to fans, writing: ‘To our extended family of Dawson’s Creek friends… Please be respectful of our silences at this time as the beautiful Kimberly and her family ask for peaceful privacy for now.’

Busy Philips, who joined the show as Audrey Liddell in 2001, also shared a memory on Instagram along with photos from the set of the show.

‘My heart hurts deeply for all of us today…’ he wrote.

‘To everyone who knew and loved James, to everyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, to all his dear friends and the community that surrounded him as he battled this disease, especially his parents, brothers and sisters.’

Busy Philips, who participated in the show as Audrey Liddell in 2001, also shared a memory as well as photos from the set of the show on Instagram.

Busy continued that he is ‘deeply heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children.’

‘James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and will be missed forever and I don’t know what else to say. I’m so sorry. He was my friend and I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship for all these years❤️.’

She then encouraged her followers to head to the GoFundMe page created to support the late actor’s family following his death.

‘I am deeply saddened by the death of James Van Der Beek. I met him last year at his home in Texas. I can say that he has a very good relationship with his wife. He has a beautiful family with six beautiful children.’

Kerr Smith, who plays Jack McPhee, wrote on Instagram: ‘I’m so grateful to be able to call James my brother. I will miss him very much. Be comfortable.’