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James van der Beeks death His family announced his passing on February 11, 2026, causing a stir across Hollywood. Former co-stars, friends and other industry insiders paid tribute to the deceased Varsity Blues Star, who fought Colon cancer In his final years.
Read tributes to James from his former co-stars, friends and other colleagues.
Katie Holmes
Katie, James’ ex Dawson’s Creek Co-star James shared a heartfelt handwritten note on his Instagram, thanking them for the memories they shared.
“James, thank you,” Katie wrote. “Sacred to share a space with your imagination—sacred to breathe the same air, to trust and believe that each other’s hearts are safe. These are memories, laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs—the adventures of a unique young man. I mourn this loss with a heart bearing the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
Busy Phillips
Will a ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Reunion Happen? Busy Phillips says #view: “I really hope so.”
“Feels like 2025 is our year…getting the gang back together.” pic.twitter.com/E46U94zw7Q
— The View (@TheView) May 9, 2025
Busy, worked with James Dawson’s Creekwrote in his tribute, “My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved James, everyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community, especially his parents and brother and sisters.”
“James van der Beek was one in a billion, he will be missed forever, I don’t know what else to say. I’m so sad. He was my friend, I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Stacey Keibler
Stacey wrote a long Instagram note to James, showing him what it’s like to “trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart.”
“Especially when it breaks your heart,” she continued. “The other night, we watched the sunset together, sharing your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how we might need your spirit right now to keep us here. As the sun slipped, a star crossed the sky.
Emma Slater
It was Emma who competed with James that day Dancing with the starsshe was “very devastated,” writing, “He will always be family to me. James loves you so much. You can be proud of the man you are. I’m so grateful I was there to say goodbye.” She also called James “big brother”.
