Hollywood is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, following the news that the beloved Dawson’s Creek star died at 48 Wednesday, after a battle with colorectal cancer.
Van Der Beek publicly revealed that he had colorectal cancer in 2024, after being diagnosed the year prior, telling People in a statement at the time:
I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.
And while he had been battling this disease for some time, it appeared the fight was a difficult one, with medical costs piling up. In late 2025, just three months before his passing, Van Derk Beek started auctioning off memorabilia from some of the shows and movies he starred in, including clothing and props, to help pay for his treatments.
The late actor’s wife, Kimberly, shared the tragic news on Instagram Wednesday, revealing that her husband, with whom she shares six children, “met his final days with courage, faith and grace.”
There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time.
And while she said “those days will come,” for now, Kimberly and her family are asking for privacy during this difficult time.
It didn’t take long after Kimberly’s post for celebrities to react to the news, with Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chad Michael Murray, and more taking to social media to share their heartfelt tributes to Van Der Beek.
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” Gellar wrote in the comments. “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer.” Gellar shared a second tribute on her Instagram Stories, posting a throwback photo of her and Van Der Beek that read: “I grew up alongside @vanderjames. He was one of the good guys. This is a true loss.”
Murray too took to the comments, adding, “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”
Several other celebrities commented their condolences on Kimberly’s post, with Jennifer Garner calling it a “heartbreaking loss.”
“So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time. ♥️,” she continued. Jenna Dewan also weighed in, writing, “I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family❤️🙏🏻.” Paradise’s Sarah Shahi commented as well, writing, “Oh Kimberly. I’m so sorry. Sending you all so much love. He was incredible. May he live in all of our hearts forever.”
Rumer Willis also joined the comment section, reflecting on her friendship with Van Der Beek and his family, writing, “My dear wonderful friends I love you all, I am keeping you all in my heart. I’m so lucky to have had you in my life for so long. James set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother (to me) I am so grateful to have witnessed your love and respect and care for each other. Sending all the love and light to you all.”
Van Der Beek’s Dawson’s Creek co-stars also shared tributes, with Busy Philipps penning a post of her own, in which she told her folllowers that her heart is “deeply hurting” amid the devastating news.
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. 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.❤️
Fellow ’90s TV phenom, Melissa Joan Hart, also remembered Van Der Beek with a moving post, sharing old photos from his time guest starring on her Nickelodeon hit, Clarissa Explains It All. In the sweet tribute, Hart revealed that Van Der Beek was her first on-screen kiss.
I’m heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away! He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on screen kiss when he guest starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight. We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 6 kids, his wife and family!
Continue reading to see how other celebrities paid tribute to Van Der Beek amid his tragic passing:
Alyssa Milano
Ashton Kutcher
Stacy Keibler
Nikki Reed
Paul Walter Hauser
Alfonso Ribeiro
Lin-Manuel Miranda