Katie Holmes is remembering her Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek with a heartfelt tribute following his death at age 48. The actor, best known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit WB series, had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since his diagnosis in 2023.
Holmes, 47, shared an emotional handwritten message on Instagram, saying she wrote her words with a “heavy heart” and describing the loss as “a lot to process.” The actress reflected not only on their years working side by side but also on the deeper bond they formed during a defining chapter of their lives.
“James, thank you,” she began, expressing gratitude for the creative trust they shared while bringing their characters to life. Holmes played Joey Potter, Dawson’s best friend and longtime love interest, on the teen drama that aired from 1998 to 2003 and became a cultural touchstone for a generation.
She spoke about the intimacy of storytelling and the connection forged on set — “breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression.” Holmes remembered laughter, long conversations about life, shared music — including James Taylor songs — and what she described as the “adventures of a unique youth.”
In her tribute, Holmes highlighted Van Der Beek’s personal qualities, calling attention to his compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength. She also praised the life he built off-screen, referencing his marriage to Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children. Holmes described his life journey as one marked by integrity and deep appreciation.
“I mourn with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” she wrote. Addressing his wife directly, she added, “We are here for you always,” offering continued love and support to Kimberly and their children.
Van Der Beek rose to fame at just 21 when Dawson’s Creek premiered, quickly becoming one of television’s most recognizable young stars. The show followed a close-knit group of friends in the fictional town of Capeside and also starred Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, and later Busy Philipps. The series helped shape late-1990s and early-2000s teen television and launched several successful careers.
Following news of his passing, several former cast members shared tributes. Busy Philipps called him “one in a billion,” expressing heartbreak for his family and gratitude for their friendship. Mary Margaret Humes, who portrayed Dawson’s mother on the series, remembered his “quiet strength and dignity” throughout his illness and asked for privacy for his family during their grief.
Last September, much of the Dawson’s Creek cast reunited for a one-night charity event benefiting F Cancer and supporting Van Der Beek. Although he was unable to attend in person due to health concerns, he appeared in a pre-recorded message thanking fans and castmates for their generosity and support. In the video, he expressed how humbled he felt by the turnout and the love surrounding him.
Van Der Beek’s death marks the loss of an actor who became a defining face of a generation of television. But for those who knew him personally, including Holmes, he leaves behind something deeper — memories of shared beginnings, creative trust, and enduring friendship.
As tributes continue to pour in, Holmes’ words capture what many feel: grief for his absence, and gratitude for the lasting impact he made both on screen and in the lives of those closest to him.
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