James Van Der Beek's final screen role debuted this week to an emotional reception from viewers, following his death at age 48 from cancer. The Dawson's Creek actor filmed scenes in four episodes of the new Amazon Prime Legally Blonde prequel Elle before his death in February.
Van Der Beek's Character and On-Set Presence
In the eight-part series, Van Der Beek plays Dean Wilson, a local mayoral candidate who befriends Elle's mother Eva, portrayed by June Diane Raphael. The late actor first appears in the third episode, which includes a dedication to him before the credits roll, reading: 'In loving memory of James Van Der Beek'.
Elle star Lexi Minetree told Deadline about working with Van Der Beek: 'It was incredible working with him. He is so charismatic and I'm so excited for people to get to see his performance because he just brought so much life to this character and to set. I remember meeting him and feeling so much warmth.'
Minetree added: 'I know this is his last show and I think fans are going to be in for a real treat. We miss him very much.'
Co-Stars Remember His Family Devotion
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. Co-star June Diane Raphael told TV Insider that he often spoke of his family on set. 'Anytime there was a downbeat on the set, he would share stories about his kids and how amazing they are and what they were going through,' said the Grace and Frankie actress. 'I could just tell the kind of dad he was and also the kind of husband he was. You could tell they were so deeply in love still,' she added of their decade-plus marriage.
Tributes from Reese Witherspoon and Fans
When his family shared news of his death earlier this year, the show's executive producer and original film star Reese Witherspoon penned her own tribute on social media. She wrote: 'Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.'
Elle has already climbed the Amazon Prime ranking of top 10 film and TV shows, with viewers left teary at Van Der Beek's scenes. On social media, @AppyOrtho wrote: 'Binging the new show Elle and I was not prepared for it to be the last thing that James Van Der Beek filmed before he died and now I keep sobbing.' CJ Nelson tweeted: 'Seeing James Van Der Beek in Elle made me so happy, until it hit me that this was probably the last thing he filmed.'
Elle is available to stream on Amazon Prime now.
