Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed Gail Leery, the on-screen mother of James Van Der Beek's character Dawson on the beloved 1990s television drama Dawson's Creek, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late actor ahead of Father's Day. Van Der Beek died in February 2025 at the age of 48 after a battle with stage III colorectal cancer, which he publicly disclosed in November 2024.
First Father's Day Without James Van Der Beek
This Sunday marks the first Father's Day that Van Der Beek's family will experience since his passing. He leaves behind his wife of 16 years, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 14, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 10, Gwendolyn, eight, and Jeremiah, four. On Saturday, Humes, 72, took to social media to share a photograph of herself with Van Der Beek and John Wesley Shipp, who played her on-screen husband Mitchell 'Mitch' Leery on the series, which aired from 1998 to 2003.
In her post, Humes urged followers to cherish their loved ones, reflecting on the fragility of life. She wrote: “Wishing all of the amazing dads throughout this vast universe a Happy Father’s Day weekend. My advice? Give big meaningful hugs and tell them you love them … a shout-out to simpler times with @vanderjames @johnwesleyshippjr.”
Fans Mourn Five Months After Van Der Beek's Death
Fans of Dawson's Creek were devastated five months ago when news of Van Der Beek's death was announced by his family. In a social media statement, they wrote: “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.”
Humes was among the first to pay tribute at the time, posting: “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.” She added, “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.”
Kimberly Van Der Beek's Heartbreak Three Months After Loss
Last month, Kimberly Van Der Beek shared her ongoing grief on Instagram, writing: “Yesterday was three months since we lost @vanderjames. To say I’m heartbroken is a severe understatement. Words just don’t capture what grief is. The comforts of shock have worn off. The reality is settling in … and I miss him. We all miss him. Yet, there is a different kind of magic in the air. I feel him. I know him more deeply.” She thanked fans for their support, saying: “The outpouring of support has been tremendous. It’s held our family in the most beautiful of ways. You all went absolutely above and beyond anything I could have ever expected in supporting us and honoring James. I am deeply grateful.”
