Katie Holmes has shared a deeply personal tribute to her late Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, reflecting on their years together following his death at 48 after a battle with cancer.
Holmes, 47, posted a handwritten message on Instagram, describing her gratitude for having shared part of Van Der Beek’s life and creative journey.
“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 …”
Holmes praised her former co-star’s character, writing, “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.”
“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” she added.
The Logan Lucky actress, who shares 19-year-old daughter Suri with ex-husband Tom Cruise, also pledged support for Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly, and their six children.
“To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion,” Holmes wrote.
She later acknowledged the emotional weight of the moment, calling his passing “a lot to process.”
“I formed some words with a heavy heart. 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.”
Holmes’ message follows tributes from several members of the Dawson’s Creek cast. Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell, wrote that her heart was “deeply hurting” and expressed heartbreak for Van Der Beek’s wife and children, sharing a link to a GoFundMe established to support the family.
Kerr Smith, who portrayed Jack McPhee, called Van Der Beek a “brother,” adding, “I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother on the series, said she was “at a loss for words,” praising his “quiet strength and dignity” throughout his illness and asking fans to respect the family’s request for privacy.
Together, the tributes reflect the lasting bond forged on Dawson’s Creek, and the enduring impact Van Der Beek had on those who shared that chapter with him.
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Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek dies at 48
