James Van Der Beek death latest: Busy Phillips, Chad Michael Murray and Lin Manuel Miranda remember beloved Dawson’s Creek star

James Van Der Beek was just 20 years old when he began filming Dawson’s Creek in 1997 and still just about able to pass for the 15-year-old title character of the much-loved teen drama.

With his golden hair and expressive eyes, Van Der Beek made an immediate impression and it wasn’t long before fans across the world were smitten. Dawson was the poetic, sensitive heart of the show, and when it came to an end six seasons later in 2003, viewers were heartbroken.

In the final episode, Dawson’s younger sister Lilly asked him what a soulmate is. “It’s like a best friend, but more,” replies Dawson. “A soulmate is someone you carry with you forever.”

Continue reading The Independent’s look back at Van Der Beek’s career:

Roger Avary, the filmmaker who co-wrote Pulp Fiction before going on to direct The Rules of Attraction, has paid tribute to the latter film’s star on X:

“I’ve today learned that my dear friend James Van Der Beek, with whom I worked with on The Rules of Attraction, who has been a pillar of strength to me and my family during the hardest of times, passed away last night.

“I knew he was fighting a terrible battle with courage and compassion, and I’m blessed that we had just recently had a very philosophical and existential phone conversation.

“I have never known anyone else quite like him, and rarely felt so close a working connection, and my heart is broken at the loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children. God bless you, James. I love you forever.”

Ben Stiller took to X to say although he didn’t know James Van Der Beek personally, he is sending condolences to his family for the loss.

“He just seemed like a great person and loving family man and he gave the world so much,” the actor and director wrote. “Sending love to his family.”

Dancing with the Stars host Alfonso Ribeiro has shared a tribute to James Van Der Beek, saying that he is “broken” over the passing of his friend.

“He was my true friend brother and life guide,” Ribeiro wrote.

“I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from james. He and [his wife Kimberly] changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family.”

Ribeiro continued: “He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”

Jennifer Garner shared her condolences with Kimberly Van Der Beek after the death of her husband.

“What a heartbreaking loss,” she commented on Kimberly’s Instagram post.

“So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time.”

James Van Der Beek first announced his diagnosis with stage three colorectal cancer in November 2024.

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum, which are both parts of the large intestine in the body’s digestive system.

It is the deadliest cancer among people under 50 in the U.S.

The GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek’s family has raised over $315,000 of its $500,000 goal, meaning the amount has tripled in about an hour and a half.

A family friend launched the fundraiser to support Kimberly and their six kids. James was raising money for his cancer treatment before his death by auctioning off his memorabilia.

Dawson’s Creek actor Busy Phillips has shared an emotional tribute to James Van Der Beek on Instagram.

“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister,” Phillips wrote.

“But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i’ll put the link in my stories.

“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say. 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.”

Rosie O’Donnell has shared a brief tribute to James Van Der Beek on Instagram, simply writing: “too soon too young.”

While Van Der Beek was starring on Dawson’s Creek in 2001, he made an appearance on The Rosie O’Donnell Show during one of his press runs.

Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough has paid tribute to James Van Der Beek by resharing a video that the late actor posted.

“My heart is heavy hearing about James’ passing,” Hough wrote. “I immediately thought of this video he shared , it moved me to tears the first time I saw it, and it moves me even more now.”

He continued, “I wanted to honor his memory by sharing.What a wise, thoughtful, loving man. Thank you, James, for your courage, your strength, and for sharing your light even in your darkest moments.

“Praying for his wife, his beautiful children, and his family. Thank you James.”