Tributes have poured in from family, friends and fans following the death of US actor James Van der Beek today at age 48.
He revealed in November 2024 that he had been battling stage three colorectal cancer since 2023, saying he had been privately dealing with the illness while continuing to work and support his family.
Van der Beek was survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children together. The family broke the news in a post to Instagram today.
US actor James Van Der Beek dies aged 48 - watch on TVNZ+
It said: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Other celebrities, including former colleagues from the hit show, posted their own memories of him to social media.
Here are some of their tributes:
Busy Phillips
Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell opposite Van Der Beek's Dawson Leery on the seminal teen drama, shared an emotional tribute saying: "My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today".
"Every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister.
"But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children.
She described the former co-star as "one in a billion", and that she was grateful for his friendship over the years.
Sarah Michelle Geller
Fellow Dawson’s Creek alum Sarah Michelle Gellar shared two tributes, the first in a comment on the family's Instagram post saying: "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," she continued.
On her own Instagram story she wrote: "I grew up alongside @vanderjames. He was one of the good guys. A true loss."
Chad Michael Murray
“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," the actor wrote in a comment on Instagram.
Mary-Margaret Humes
The actress who played Van Der Beek's loving mother on the '90s teen drama said she was mourning the death of her TV son.
In a heartfelt statement she wrote, "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 safe keeping."
Austin Nichols
Van der Beek's Varsity Blues co-star Austin Nichols wrote a tribute post online: "From my first background job on Varsity Blues to a handful of scenes together, James represented something to aspire to.
"And as a friend, husband and father, I know he was even more powerful and inspiring. You will be missed."
Melissa Joan Hart
Melissa Joan Hart appeared alongside Van Der Beek on the Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All.
She was one of the first to publicly post a tribute to the late star, calling him "a great father, wonderful actor... Gone way too soon".
Lin Manuel Miranda
After the news of the Dawson's Creek star's death broke, the Hamilton writer shared a selfie with his family from the show's 2025 reunion, writing, "My whole heart is with the Van Der Beek family today."
Emma Slater
Van der Beek's Dancing With The Stars partner Emma Slater also shared her condolences.
He competed on Season 28 of the long-running dancing competition series with Slater in 2019, and the two came in fifth place.
"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,” she wrote.
The official Dancing With The Stars account also made a post, saying Van der Beek would "always be a part of the dancing family".
"James brought passion, vulnerability, and determination to the ballroom and connected deeply with audiences through his journey," it said.
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