Michelle Williams Breaks Her Silence on James Van Der Beek's Tragic Passing
Michelle Williams has broken her silence regarding the death of her former co-star James Van Der Beek, speaking publicly for the first time at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards on Sunday night. Williams, 45, who starred alongside Van Der Beek on the iconic teen drama Dawson's Creek for six seasons from 1998 to 2003, shared heartfelt words about the late actor's legacy and the support shown to his grieving family.
A Heartfelt Tribute to a Beloved Co-Star
Speaking exclusively with ET, Williams revealed, 'I’m thinking about him and I’m thinking about his family constantly. It’s been such an amazing thing, as James's friend and a friend of the family, to witness the incredible response in the wake of his passing.' Van Der Beek tragically died on February 11 at the age of 48 following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife Kimberly and their six children.
The actor is survived by daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four. Williams went on to reference the GoFundMe campaign established to support Van Der Beek's children, expressing profound gratitude to the thousands who have contributed.
Overwhelming Support Through GoFundMe Campaign
'I just really want to say thank you to each and every person who has contributed to sustaining their lives and their children’s lives,' Williams emphasized. 'It’s an incredibly meaningful thing to witness.' The fundraising page, initially set with a $500,000 goal, has astonishingly surpassed $2.7 million through more than 46,000 individual donations, demonstrating the widespread impact of Van Der Beek's life and career.
A description on the GoFundMe site explains the family's dire circumstances: 'In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.'
Castmates and Family United in Grief
The message continues, highlighting how 'the support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead. Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives.'
Kimberly Van Der Beek previously showcased her close bond with Williams and other Dawson's Creek cast members in a September 2025 Instagram post, featuring herself alongside Williams, Busy Philipps, and Katie Holmes. She captioned the image, 'Going deeper with these ladies has been so bitter sweet. They are magic, kind, gifted, heart forward and... sacred. Missed my guy so. But the support and the love has been healing to the core.'
Touching Tributes from the Dawson's Creek Family
On the day of Van Der Beek's death, Busy Philipps paid a moving tribute on Instagram, sharing throwback photos and writing, 'My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister.'
Philipps added, 'But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i’ll put the link in my stories. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.'
The outpouring of support from fans, friends, and former colleagues underscores the lasting impact of James Van Der Beek's life and career, while highlighting the critical financial challenges faced by families dealing with prolonged medical battles.
