James Van Der Beek death latest: Dawson’s Creek co-stars pay tribute to beloved actor after death at 48

Reese Witherspoon was one of the last stars who got to work with James Van Der Beek; the actor shot scenes for the forthcoming Legally Blonde TV series.

She wrote: “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.

“Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”

The Dawson’s Creek actor honoured his 12-year-old daughter Annabel in his moving last post before his death.

Emma Slater has shared a tribute to James Van Der Beek, her partner on season 28 of Dancing With the Stars in 2019.

The pair finished fifth on the series, and Slater wrote that what began as a ballroom partnership “continued into the deepest of friendships”.

“All those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives are blessed. Forever changed by your brilliance. We got to have these beautiful years sharing life together,” she wrote on Instagram.

Slater shared she had seen him shortly before his death and was grateful for the chance to speak with him. “We laughed together. And I promised I would feel your presence always, as I already have.”

Melissa Joan Hart has paid tribute to James Van Der Beek, describing him as “truly a nice guy”.

Hart, who starred as Clarissa Darling on the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All, shared pictures with Van Der Beek, who guest-starred as Paulie in a 1993 episode.

“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 Clarissa Explains It All. 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 We Are Family about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does,” she wrote on Instagram.

James Van Der Beek’s former Dawson’s Creek co-stars have shared messages after news of his death.

Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell, posted behind-the-scenes photos from the series, writing that her “heart is deeply hurting”.

“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed,” she wrote. “I am just so so sad. He was my friend and I loved him and I'm so grateful for our friendship all these years.”

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother Gail Leery, described him as a “gracious warrior” who fought illness with “quiet strength and dignity”.

Sasha Alexander, who played his love interest Gretchen Witter, wrote that “what made Dawson special was the man who played him”, calling him “a deep, thoughtful soul”.

Chad Michael Murray, who had a recurring role as Charlie Todd, said Van Der Beek “inspired us to be better in all ways”, adding: “James was a giant.”

James Van Der Beek had been quietly writing a memoir in the months before his death, according to Deadline.

The Dawson's Creek actor was working on the book between filming commitments, sources told the outlet.

It is not known how much of the manuscript had been completed, nor whether there are plans for the memoir to be published posthumously.

Reese Witherspoon has said she is “devastated” by the news of James Van Der Beek’s death.

Posting on Instagram Stories, the actor and producer wrote: “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”

Van Der Beek had recently filmed a recurring role in Elle, a television prequel to Legally Blonde, the 2001 film in which Witherspoon starred as Elle Woods. The new series is produced by Witherspoon’s company, Hello Sunshine.

In Elle, Van Der Beek plays Dean Wilson, a local school superintendent who is also running for mayor.

James Van Der Beek completed work on two projects that are due for release in the coming months.

The actor had a recurring role in Elle, a forthcoming Amazon Prime Video series set to be released on 1 July. A prequel to Legally Blonde, the show follows a teenage Elle Woods, played by Lexi Minetree, and is created by Laura Kittrell. Van Der Beek plays Dean Wilson, a mayoral candidate and school district superintendent in the city.

He also appears in the feature film The Gates, which is scheduled for release in select US cinemas on 13 March through Lionsgate Premiere.