James Van Der Beek sadly passed away from cancer, aged 48, on February 11, 2026.
His passing was confirmed by his wife, Kimberly on Instagram.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the announcement began. “He 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. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Shortly after, many friends, family and co-stars have shared tributes, honouring the Dawson’s Creek star. One month later, James’ co-star and friend, Joshua Jackson reflected on their relationship and grief.
“I think it hits in a variety of different ways,” Joshua explained during an interview on The Today Show US. “For me as a father now, the enormity of that tragedy hits me in a very different way than just as a colleague, so I think the processing is ongoing.”
The pair worked together for six seasons on Dawson’s Creek, with Joshua noting it was a “formative” time for both of them.
“I know both of us look back on that time with great fondness. But I will also say is I know that I’m just a footnote in what he actually accomplished in his life,” he continued.
“He became what we used to just call a ‘good man,’ a man of the kind of belief, the kind of faith that allowed him to face the impossible with grace, an unbelievable partner and husband… Just a real man who showed up for his family and a beautiful, kind, curious, interested, dedicated father. And so while on the one hand that’s beautiful and I think he did lead a very good life and he was a good man, it is also, the tragedy of that loss for his family is enormous.”
His fellow Dawson’s Creek co-star Katie Holmes also shared a tribute, writing an emotional letter.
“I formed some words with a heavy heart,” she shared on Instagram. “This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
“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 … ”
Katie continued to praise his “Bravery. Compassion. Selfnessness. 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.”
Jennifer Garner shared her condolences in the comment section, writing, “What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time. ♥️.”
Chad Michael Murrary shared: “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.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar shared: “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F–k Cancer.”
Former co-star on Clarissa Explains It All, Melissa Joan Hart revealed her heartbreak over his passing.
“I’m heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away,” she wrote on Instagram.
“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.”
Julie Plec, who worked with Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson and is best known for The Vampire Diaries, shared her own tribute.
“A vibrant young man. A father and husband and friend. A generational icon. RIP JVDB. Sleep now, Dawson,” she wrote.
