Hollywood is once again reeling from the death of one of its own, as it was revealed that “Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek died Wednesday morning.
The unfortunate news comes after he publicly announced his diagnosis of colorectal cancer on Nov. 3, 2024.
Once news broke, fellow stars such as Chad Michael Murray, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and others shared condolences in the comments section of the Instagram post that Van Der Beek’s family posted, announcing his passing.
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” Gellar wrote. “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. [Expletive] Cancer.”
Julie Plec, who started her career working with “Dawson’s Creek” creator Kevin Williamson, took to Instagram with her own tribute for the star.
“A vibrant young man. A father and husband and friend. A generational icon. RIP JVDB. Sleep now, Dawson.”
Emma Slater, the actor’s former “Dancing with the Stars” partner, also commented on the post, along with Jennifer Garner and Jenna Dewan.
“I’m so devastated,” Slater wrote. “He is and will always be family to me love you so much, James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.”
“I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family,” Dewan wrote.
“What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time,” Garner wrote.
Meanwhile, along with Chad Michael Murray, another fellow “Dawson’s Creek” actor who shared the big screen with Van Der Beek took to the social media platform with their own tribute.
Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell on ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ posted throwback pictures of the two on set.
“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,” she wrote. “But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children.”
She also mentioned the family’s GoFundMe page and said she would link to it in her Instagram story.
Murray, who briefly played Charlie Todd for 12 episodes on the show, took to the comments section of the post to honor his friend.
“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say,” he shared. “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.”
“Dawson’s Creek” aired for six seasons on The WB from 1998 to 2003. The cast reunited for a one-night-only event in New York City back in September. Van Der Beek had to pull out of the event the day before because he contracted two stomach viruses.
To make up for his absence, Van Der Beek sent a surprise pre-recorded message to express his gratitude to everyone who contributed to the show, including the longtime fans.
“From the cast to the crew to everybody who’s doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you,” he shared. “You are the best fans in the world.”