Hollywood is in mourning after James Van Der Beek’s death at age 48.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” a statement shared via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, read. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek’s death comes after a years-long battle with cancer. The Dawson’s Creek star announced in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in August 2023.
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” the actor told People in a statement at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
The Dawson’s Creek cast rallied around Van Der Beek throughout his illness, even hosting a reunion in September 2025 to raise money for the actor and the nonprofit F Cancer. Van Der Beek, however, missed the New York City-based event due two stomach bugs.
“Despite every effort… I won’t get to be there,” he wrote via Instagram at the time. “I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.”
Keep scrolling to see which stars have spoken out in the wake of Van Der Beek’s death:
Sarah Michelle Gellar
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” the actress wrote. “While James legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer.”
Rumer Willis
Willis wrote that she is keeping the Van Der Beek family “in my heart” following the actor’s death.
“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),” she continued. “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.”
Paul Walter Hauser
“Love you, James. I know you’re in Heaven being pampered with love,” the actor, who has been partnering with Cameo to raise funds for Van Der Beek and his wife, wrote via Instagram. “The Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we’ll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family. Thanks for the body of work and for being one of the good guys.”
Jamie-Lynn Sigler
“We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe,” the Sopranos alum wrote in an Instagram comment. “Fly high James. You were everything good in this world.”
Chad Michael Murray
“Sending love and light to your beautiful family,” the actor commented. “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.”
Jenna Johnson
Van Der Beek competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2019. The professional dancer shared a sweet message following the news of his death.
“An incredible father, husband, artist, and so much more,” she wrote. “Sending your family all the love and comfort.”
Emma Slater
Van Der Beek’s DWTS partner left a sweet comment after his death news.
“I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me,” she wrote. “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.”
Hayley Kiyoko
“Omg I am so incredibly sorry for you and your family,” the singer wrote in an Instagram comment. “He always led with kindness and love. His light will carry on.”
Hilaria Baldwin
“Sending so much love,” she wrote. “I’m so sorry.”
Mehcad Brooks
The actor shared a sweet tribute on social media.
“Being there with you these past days has been the greatest honor of my life,” he wrote. “Until we meet again my beautiful brother.”
Tyler Posey
The actor commented, “Love you brother,” on the Instagram statement announcing his death.
Jenna Dewan
“I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family,” she wrote, referring to the actor’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
Danica McKellar
The Wonder Years alum referred to Van Der Beek as “a beautiful soul” in her tribute, referring to his death as an “unthinkably tragic loss.”
“Sending prayers of peace to your family as you process this,” she added. “We are all by your side.”
Hannah Brown
The former Bachelorette star was a contestant on the same DWTS season as Van Der Beek.
“This is heartbreaking to hear,” she wrote. “I am beyond thankful to have met James and experienced his light, joy, and talent. Sending your beautiful family so much love and prayers.”
Kellan Lutz
“So sorry for you, your family, the worlds loss,” the actor shared.
Benito Skinner
The actor called Van Der Beek “a legend in every way” in his tribute.
Alyssa Milano
Alyssa Milano, who was part of the WB family alongside James Van Der Beek, penned a touching tribute for her late friend.
“There are people in this industry who are talented. Some who are charismatic. A few who are generous. And then there were the rare ones— the truly kind and thoughtful. James was the rare kind. He showed up for his people. He listened. He cared,” she wrote via Instagram alongside a photo of the actor and his family. “More than anything, he loved being a husband and a father. There are few who cherish that role more deeply than he did. Just a unicorn of a man.”
Milano continued, “My heart aches for his family. But I know he will be a part of everything they do forevermore. Every flower. Every giggle. Everything. Always. That’s what his kind of love does.”
Paula Cole
Paula Cole, who sang the iconic theme song for Dawson’s Creek, paid tribute to James Van Der Beek in the comments section of his death announcement.
“A bodhisattva. His kindness still shines. I’m so sorry and send my loving comfort to your beautiful family. Much love,” the singer replied.
Joel McHale
The Community alum reacted to James Van Der Beek’s death in the comments section writing, “One of the best and most kind there ever will be.”
Jana Kramer
Jana Kramer sent her condolences to James Van Der Beek’s family in the comments section.
“Praying so hard for your family ❤️,” the One Tree Hill alum replied.
Noah Beck
Noah Beck, who starred in the Sidelined films alongside James Van Der Beek, shared a post in honor of his late costar.
“Man, this one hurts. James u were the best,” he wrote alongside a clip of him and Van Der Beek on set. “So kind, so caring, so thoughtful, so talented, great father and just an absolute inspiration of a human being. I feel so incredibly lucky to have met u and shared the screen with you as my father. U were the best mentor I could ask for.”
Selma Blair
Selma Blair posted a tribute honoring her late friend.
“James van der Beek … we started at the same time in this town, and I always just admired and appreciated you so much,” the actress wrote via Instagram. “And then even more so when I met your wife and saw your complete love for that growing family in a way that bowled me over with gratitude that you existed … And you always will through them. And your work. And your heart. You will be missed … I send all my love to your beautiful family. So much love.”
Krysten Ritter
Krysten Ritter remembered her Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23 costar in a sweet post.
“Really hard news today,” the actress wrote via her Instagram Story alongside a photo of her and James Van Der Beek. “Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathic, kind, talented and just pure magic. I’m so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken. All my love goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their children.”
Viola Davis
Viola Davis shared a tribute for James Van Der Beek following his passing.
“I remember what you said you learned in your Cancer journey,” she captioned a throwback clip of the late actor. “You were worthy of God’s love… now… as is. What a beautiful lesson… and what a beautiful legacy to leave in your children, family, loved ones… us. Rest well… and know that your name will be spoken 🕊❤️🙏🏿.”
Eric Stonestreet
Eric Stonestreet remembered James Van Der Beek while recalling a time they attended a charity event together.
“Only had to ask James one time to come to Big Slick here in Kansas City. He was down to do whatever was needed for the kids of Children’s Mercy hospital in a heartbeat,” the Modern Family alum wrote via Instagram. “He was a kind, funny, charming and handsome af dude. Please direct all comments below to his wife, family and beautiful children.”
Stonestreet continued, “Funny enough and how life works in circles. The first ‘Hollywood party’ I ever attended was at James’s house in 1999(ish). I couldn’t stop telling my friends that I was going to James Van Der Beek’s house. And then in full circle, it was such an honor for me to be able to work with him and call HIM a friend so many years later. Rest In Peace, James.”
Lindsay Arnold
“So heartbreaking. James was always such a kind and genuine human,” the Dancing With the Stars pro wrote via her Instagram Story. “Sending so much love to his wife and children.”
Melissa Joan Hart
Melissa Joan Hart honored her former Clarissa Explains It All costar — and first onscreen kiss — in a touching tribute post.
“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,” she wrote via Instagram. “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!”
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Lin-Manuel Miranda, who filled in for James Van Der Beek during the recent Dawson’s Creek reunion, honored the late actor.
“My whole heart is with the @vanderkimberly @vanderjames family today,” the Broadway star captioned a selfie of him, James’ wife Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s kids.
Reese Witherspoon
“Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed greta kindness and grace in every action,” Reese Witherspoon wrote via her Instagram Stories. “Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”
Austin Nichols
Austin Nichols, who starred on One Tree Hill when James Van Der Beek had a guest role in season 6, paid tribute to the late actor via Instagram.
“From my first background job on Varsity Blues to a handful of scenes together, James represented something to aspire to,” Nichols wrote alongside photos from their time together on One Tree Hill. “And as a friend, husband and father, I know he was even more powerful and inspiring. You will be missed.”
Jared Padalecki
Jared Padalecki took to X to share the link to the GoFundMe page for James Van Der Beek’s family, adding a tribute in a follow-up post.
“This man was, and forever WILL be, a part of me. I’d say that I miss him, but that wouldn’t be entirely accurate. Because, I still FEEL him. To know James, and his family, is to not only feel like they love you and are proud of you, but to feel like it’s okay for YOU to love you and be proud of you. Rest, my brother. #CarryItForward,” he wrote.
Van Der Beek was set to appear in the third season of Padalecki’s Walker series prior to its cancellation in 2024.
Katie Holmes
Dawson’s Creek star Katie Holmes penned a sweet letter to James Van Der Beek following his death.
“James, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression,” she wrote. “These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth … Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero.”
Holmes continued, “I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it. To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”
Alfonso Ribeiro
Alfonso Ribeiro revealed that he is the godfather to James Van Der Beek’s 7-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn, in an emotional tribute.
“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide,” he wrote via Instagram. “I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart.”
Ribeiro continued, “I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie Daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
Sasha Farber
DWTS’ Sasha Farber shared a photo of James Van Der Beek with his daughter via Instagram and wrote, “Some of the best advice was given to me by James! He was someone I looked up to on every level, he was a great father a beautiful husband who loved his family very much. He always spread love in every room he entered. Love you James. The world will miss you 💔 thoughts and prayers to his family.”
Jenna Dewan
Jenna Dewan shared a lengthy tribute to James Van Der Beek via Instagram.
“James, although our time together was brief, it was deep,” she wrote. “You were present for me during one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I’ll always be grateful for the quiet grace, vulnerability and soft love you shared with me in that time. And everyone lucky enough to be in your orbit felt that same love and energy.”
Dewan continued, “I watched you be the most incredible, loving, soft, curious, and present father… and one of the most devoted husbands I’ve ever known. The way you loved your family was steady and wholehearted. I loved watching you light up talking about each and every one of your kids, truly curious and astounded by these beautiful beings you created and were lucky enough to love and cherish every day.”
The actress concluded by sending love to Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children.
Scott Wolf
Scott Wolf shared a video of James Van Der Beek offering advice to his followers. In the caption, Wolf wrote, “I watched you be the most incredible, loving, soft, curious, and present father… and one of the most devoted husbands I’ve ever known. The way you loved your family was steady and wholehearted. I loved watching you light up talking about each and every one of your kids, truly curious and astounded by these beautiful beings you created and were lucky enough to love and cherish every day.”
Josh Radnor
How I Met Your Mother star Josh Radnor shared a video recalling the time James Van Der Beek guest-starred on the show as Robin Scherbatsky’s (Cobie Smulders) high school boyfriend. He called Van Der Beek a “pleasant, kind and funny” person.
“So grateful I got to spend some time with James Van Der Beek. Sending love to his family and friends,” Radnor wrote in the caption.
Dylan McDermott
Dylan McDermott wrote via Instagram, “Rest in Peace @vanderjames You were taken too soon but your spirit will live on forever.”
