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 after a battle with bowel cancer. The actor, who played Joey in the teen drama, shared a handwritten letter on Instagram, describing Van Der Beek's 'bravery, compassion, selflessness, strength' and calling his life 'the journey of a hero'.
Holmes wrote: 'Thank you. 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: 'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.'
The pair starred together in the Kevin Williamson-created series over six seasons from 1998 to 2003. Van Der Beek shared his bowel cancer diagnosis in November 2024 and later sold 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 and what his presence has meant to my life. But I am truly at a loss for words.'
Other co-stars paid tribute, including Mary Margaret Humes, who praised Van Der Beek's 'quiet strength and dignity', and Busy Philipps, who wrote: 'James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.' Since his death, a GoFundMe page has raised over $1.3m for his family.
