James Van Der Beek in Dawson's Creek / The WB
Former colleagues have been paying tribute to James Van Der Beek following the actor’s death at the age of 48.
The Dawson’s Creek star passed away on Wednesday following a more than two-year battle with stage three colorectal cancer, leaving behind wife Kimberly and their six children.
Below is a selection of tributes pouring in from across Hollywood since the news broke:
Krysten Ritter, co-star on Don’t Trust The Bitch in Apartment 23:
“Really hard news today. Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathic, kind, talented and just pure magic. I’m so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken. All my love goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their children. Love you so much James and fake James.”
Busy Philipps, co-star on Dawson’s Creek:
“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today… James Van Der Beek was one in a billion, and he will be forever missed, and I don’t know what else to say. I am just so so sad. He was my friend and I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Katie Holmes, co-star on Dawson’s Creek:
“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. Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others’ hearts are safe in their expression… Bravery. Compassion. Selfnessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art – creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children – the journey of a hero.
Mary-Margaret Humes, co-star on Dawson’s Creek:
“Rarely am I at a loss for words… today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity. I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversations… merely a few days ago… are forever sitting softly in my heart for safekeeping. To our extended ‘Dawson’s Creek’ family of friends… please be respectful of our silences at the moment as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy for now.”
Emma Slater, partner on Dancing With The Stars:
“I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much, James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.”
Chad Michael Murray, One Tree Hill star:
“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.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Buffy, The Vampire star:
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F**k Cancer.”
