The world may have first met James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery — earnest, intense, film-obsessed and endlessly hopeful — but to those who worked alongside him, he was something far more enduring: a friend, a brother, a steady presence who helped define an era.
Following his passing at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, tributes poured in from his Dawson’s Creek family and beyond. And the grief felt personal — because for so many, it was.
James revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The news stunned fans who had grown up watching him in the era-defining WB drama. But long before that, he’d already cemented his place in pop culture history — from Varsity Blues to The Rules of Attraction to his scene-stealing comedic turn in Don’t Trust the B–– in Apartment 23.
Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter opposite James for six seasons, shared a handwritten tribute that felt intimate and sacred.
“Thank you,” the actress wrote. “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.”
Kerr Smith, who portrayed Jack McPhee and worked with James for five seasons, called him “a brother,” adding: “I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”
Busy Philipps, who joined the series later in its run, wrote, “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.❤️”
John Wesley Shipp, who played Dawson’s father, reflected on their onscreen bond:
“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.”
Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed his mother, wrote: “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.”
Chad Michael Murray added, “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.”
Just months before his passing, the cast reunited for a charity event benefiting F Cancer — a cause close to James’ heart. Though he couldn’t attend in person, he sent a video message that now feels even more poignant:
“I have been looking forward to this night for months and months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she would put it together. I can’t believe I’m not there,” Van Der Beek began. “I wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight. From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s donated time and been so generous. And especially every single last one of you, the best fans the world.”
James Van Der Beek didn’t just define teen drama for a generation. He defined heart.
And that’s what his castmates are grieving most.
