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Prime Video deer He took a moment during the first season to make a special dedication to the late James Van Der Beek.
The actor died last February after his battle with colorectal cancer, months before his death Legally blonde The prequel series premieres in July. He was 48 years old.
in deerVan Der Beek played Dean Wilson, a school district superintendent who was also running for mayor. (SPOILER ALERT!) After befriending Elle’s mother, Eva Woods (June Diane Raphael), who is helping him with his campaign, Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree) eventually uncovers his blackmail scheme with Principal Anderson (Matt Oberg), leading to his arrest at the end of season one.
Following his first appearance in the third episode titled “You’re Not the Girl I Thought You Were,” the series paid tribute to the actor with a title card before the end of the episode. It read: “In loving memory of James Van Der Beek.”
After the actor’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced his death last February, Reese Witherspoon, who served as executive producer of the series, announced… deershe took to her Instagram Story to reminisce Dawson Creek alum.
“I was shocked to hear about James Van Der Beek,” she wrote at the time. “What an extraordinary and talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Prayers of all the angels guarding his family during this difficult time.”
In addition deerwere Van Der Beek’s final film roles in Portalswhich was released in March, and Footnote 2: It was interceptedwhich was released in November 2025.
As for the last project, it is Noah Beck, who played the role of the actor’s son on screen Marginal 2 and Fringe: QB (2024), had nothing but positive words to say about his experience working with Van Der Beek while chatting with him Hollywood Reporter last year.
“I could sit and talk about how great James is to me for an hour if you had that,” Peck said, adding, “With James, he has such a presence, you can’t not be in a scene with him. I learned so much, and I felt like I had such a front seat to such an outstanding acting lesson.”
