James Van Der Beek is being remembered as a “sweet, gentle soul” and a “giant” following his death aged 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.
The American actor, famous for his roles in hit ’90s TV series Dawson’s Creek and movies including Varsity Blues, went public with his diagnosis in late 2024.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” his wife Kimberly announced via his Instagram page.
“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.”
Van Der Beek was a father of six: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
The late star’s Hollywood peers have been paying tribute to him, sharing their memories on social media and in the comments of the announcement.
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Van Der Beek’s former co-star Melissa Joan Hart paid tribute to the actor.
While Hart was most famous for her role on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, she revealed he was her first on-screen kiss on Clarissa Explains It All.
“I’m heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away,” she began alongside an image of them on the show.
“He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on screen kiss when he guest starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll.
“Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight.
“We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to his 6 kids, his wife and family!”
Alfonso Ribeiro – who is currently the host of the US Dancing with the Stars but is best known for his role as Carlton on Fresh Prince of Bel Air – said Van Der Beek “changed my life”.
“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today,” he wrote alongside an image of the pair together.
“He was my true friend brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from James.
“He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.
“I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, whose hit show Buffy was on TV at the same time as Dawson’s Creek, told fans “this is a true loss”.
“I grew up alongside [James Van Der Beek],” she wrote on a photo of the pair as teens posted to her Instagram Story.
“He was one of the good guys. This is a true loss.”
Busy Philipps, who starred alongside Van Der Beek in Dawson’s Creek, said the actor was “one in a billion” and will be “forever missed”.
“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,” the actress wrote on Instagram.
“But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i’ll put the link in my stories.
“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.”
Selma Blair shared a photo of her with Van Der Beek on Instagram, saying they “started at the same time in this town”.
“I always just admired and appreciated you so much,” the Legally Blonde star wrote.
“And then even more so when I met your wife and saw your complete love for that growing family in a way that bowled me over with gratitude that you existed … And you always will through them. And your work. And your heart.
“You will be missed … I send all my love to your beautiful family. So much love.”
Charmed star Alyssa Milano declared Van Der Beek a “unicorn of a man”, remembering his kindness, talent and love for his family.
“There are people in this industry who are talented. Some who are charismatic. A few who are generous,” she captioned a photo of the actor with his family.
“And then there were the rare ones— the truly kind and thoughtful. James was the rare kind. He showed up for his people. He listened. He cared.
“More than anything, he loved being a husband and a father. There are few who cherish that role more deeply than he did. Just a unicorn of a man.
“My heart aches for his family. But I know he will be a part of everything they do forevermore. Every flower. Every giggle. Everything. Always.
“That’s what his kind of love does.”
On X, Ashton Kutcher said he’d “had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” adding, “RIP.”
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote under the post announcing Van Der Beek’s death.
“While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F–k Cancer.”
Chad Michael Murray, who starred alongside Van Der Beek in One Tree Hill, described his late co-star as “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.”
“What a heartbreaking loss,” wrote actress Jennifer Garner.
“So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time.”
Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet said Van Der Beek had a “kind, generous, thoughtful and beautiful soul”, adding, “There is no doubt those traits will live on through his wife and gorgeous children.”
“I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul,” wrote actress Jenna Dewan.
Rumer Willis, the daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, said Van Der Beek “set the bar as a husband and a father”.
“My dear wonderful friends I love you all, I am keeping you all in my heart. Im so lucky to have had you in my life for so long,” she commented.
“James set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother (to me) I am so grateful to have witnessed your love and respect and care for each other. Sending all the love and light to you all.”
Patricia Arquette described the late actor as “one of a kind” and “the best”.
