James Van Der Beek’s celebrity friends share emotional tributes after his death aged 48

Hollywood led emotional tributes following the heartbreaking news of James Van Der Beek’s death at the age of 48.

The Dawson’s Creek star’s passing was confirmed by loved ones on social media on Wednesday, following a two-year public battle with colorectal cancer.

Celebrities like Chad Michael Murray and Jennifer Garner also responded to the loss and shared their condolences in the comments section.

Murray wrote: ‘Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We are very sorry for what you experienced.

‘His words, his art and his humanity inspired us all; He inspired us to be better in every way. God bless you guys.’

Garner Garner wrote: ‘What a heartbreaking loss. Much love to you and your children during this sensitive time, Kimberly. ♥️.’

Celebrities like Chad Michael Murray and Jennifer Garner also shared their condolences in the comments section as they responded to the loss.

“I love you bro,” Teen Wolf alum Tyler Posey said.

Jenna Dewan wrote, ‘I will always and forever remember your sweet, gentle soul. “My love and prayers go out to Kim and the entire family.”

Singer Katharine McPhee and his wife davidfoster ‘This is just beyond devastating news,’ he wrote. I’m so sorry for your loss. ‘God bless you all.’

Riverdale alum Drew Ray Tanner shared: ‘Great man and father. ‘Rest in peace my friend.’

Tanner worked with Van Der Beek on the 2024 film Sidelined: The QB And Me and its 2025 sequel Sidelined 2: Intercepted.

Hilaria Baldwin added, ‘Sending so much love. I’m so sorry.’

NSYNC singer Lance Bass wrote: ‘Sending so much love to your beautiful family. Safe travels, James. You made this world a better place. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.’

Twilight alum Nikki Reed also wrote: “You beautiful soul.” He shared a long message that read: Everyone who has had the privilege of knowing you has been forever changed by you. Your depth, your presence, your unique love for your family.

‘You and Kimberly have a bond that transcends lifetimes. ‘You still have the award for the wisest person I know.’

In addition to the experiences he shared with his fans, the actor also reflected his ‘gift’ in words.

Reed also shared: ‘Oh James, you are so, so, so deeply loved. And I am missed so deeply. My heart aches and I’m sure the waves of this pain will be felt forever. And Kimberly, we are all wrapping our arms around you and those sweet babies with love.

‘My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I have ever known. Either way, we are here for you forever. ❤️.”

Sopranos actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler shared: ‘We are the luckiest to be part of her tribe. High flu, James. ‘You were everything good in this world.’

Alfonso Ribeiro wrote: ‘I am heartbroken. I’m so happy to have him in my life. ‘I’m lucky I could be there to say goodbye.’

Man v. Food star Adam Richman added: ‘What?!?! I can’t understand this; I’ve met him a few times. each one more beautiful than the last. What an energetic gentleman. It doesn’t make any sense.”

On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s loved ones confirmed the actor’s death on social media.

The post read: ‘Our beloved 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.’

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

D.