Katie Holmes has paid tribute to her late Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who died this week at the age of 48. The actor, who played Joey in the teen drama, shared a handwritten letter on Instagram, describing Van Der Beek as 'beloved' and praising his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness, strength'.
In the letter, Holmes wrote: 'To share space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others' hearts are safe in their expression.' She added: 'The journey of a hero.'
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2024 and announced in 2025 that he was selling memorabilia to fund treatment. A family statement said he 'met his final days with courage, faith and grace'.
Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson also shared his grief on Instagram, writing: 'Several times today, from my heart, I've tried to form the words to express the beautiful brilliance of James... But I am truly at a loss for words.'
Co-stars Mary Margaret Humes and Busy Philipps also paid tribute. Humes praised his 'quiet strength and dignity', while Philipps wrote: 'James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.'
Since his death, a GoFundMe page set up by his family has raised over $1.3m to cover living expenses and support his six children.
