Michelle Williams‘ heart will always be at the creek with James Van Der Beek.
Oh my gosh, it was so emotional at the Actor Awards on March 1st. She finally talked about him – you know, her Dawson’s Creek co-star. It just broke my heart all over again. He was only 48, and he fought that awful cancer for over two years before he passed away on February 11th. I was a mess watching her speak about him, honestly.
After winning an award for her role in Dying for Sex, Michelle told Entertainment Tonight that she was thinking of the person the movie was about, as well as their family, very often.
As someone who was close to James, both as a friend and through knowing his family, I’ve been truly touched by the outpouring of support we’ve all received since he passed away. It’s been incredibly heartwarming to witness how many lives he touched.
Ten months before James died, Michelle, age 45, said she was fully supporting him as he dealt with health problems, keeping in touch regularly.
She told Entertainment Tonight in April that they are staying in touch with him and thinking of him constantly, and he’s aware of their support. They’re ready to help him in any way he needs.
The Oscar-nominated actress demonstrated her support for the charity F Cancer by helping to organize a reunion of the Dawson’s Creek cast in September. The event brought together stars like Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Philipps.
Michelle shared with Us Weekly that growing up in Capeside created a lasting connection between them. They organized a charity event to show their longtime friend, James, how much they care and to reassure him of their unwavering support. She believes fans of Dawson’s Creek share that same strong feeling of connection.
James wasn’t well enough to be at the September fundraiser, but he did send a message to those who attended. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared that everyone still felt his spirit.
She shared in an Instagram video after the event that the night meant a lot to her family. What mattered most, she explained, was seeing her husband surrounded by so much love in a full theater.
Kimberly, mother of Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4), and wife to James, shared that they will be dealing with a difficult situation for some time, but expressed gratitude for the support, love, and prayers they’ve received.
Just a few months later, his family confirmed that he had died, detailing his valiant battle.
James’ family announced on Instagram on February 11th that he passed away with courage, faith, and grace. They shared that they will eventually share more about his passions, beliefs, and how much he valued life, but for now, they ask for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
It’s been so touching to see so many wonderful people from the entertainment world sharing their love for James and remembering his life. If you’d like to see who else has been paying tribute, I’ve gathered a list of celebrities honoring his memory – you can find it right here.
The creator of Dawson’s Creek shared a heartfelt message to Kimberly Van Der Beek on February 12th via Instagram, writing, ‘With much love, we are here for you. Your Dawson’s Creek family will always be here for you and your beautiful family.’ He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, saying he’s been deeply touched by the kindness shown. He admitted struggling to find the right words to convey how much James meant to him, but emphasized his thoughts were with Kimberly and her family, and that his heart goes out to them.
Katie, who worked with James on Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten note on Instagram on February 12th, thanking him. She wrote that sharing creative space with him felt special – like they were both free to express themselves and trust each other while acting. She fondly remembered their laughter, conversations, and listening to James Taylor songs together during their time as young actors.
She described his life as a beautiful work of art, filled with love – a wonderful marriage and six children. She said it was a heroic journey, and while deeply saddened by his passing, she felt grateful for the impact he had on her life.
James’ ex-wife, to whom he was married from 2003 to 2009, penned a loving tribute in his memory.
James was a truly wonderful person, full of kindness, talent, and a joyful spirit. He had a strong faith that was clear to everyone who knew him. He was remarkably humble despite his gifts, and constantly striving to learn, grow, and challenge himself.
She shared, “James was such a devoted father, and he loved Kimberly completely. They were truly soulmates. I’ll always admire how gracefully she supported him.”
I usually know what to say, but today I’m speechless,” wrote Mary, who played James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek. “James, you were such a brave and graceful fighter. You faced an incredibly difficult challenge with so much quiet strength and dignity, and I will always love and admire you for it.
She said those recent conversations – just a few days ago – will always hold a special place in her heart. She also asked that everyone in the Dawson’s Creek community respect their need for quiet at this time, as Kimberly and her family have requested privacy.
Krysten shared sad news on Instagram, saying, “Really hard news today.” She went on to express her love for James, who she worked with on the show Don’t Trust the B In Apartment 23, where he played a comedic version of himself, adding, “Love you so much James and fake James.”
The fashion designer shared a heartfelt tribute to Brother James, remembering him as ‘Uncle James’ to their family. They expressed gratitude for his unwavering friendship, his reliability, and his willingness to always go above and beyond. They recalled specific acts of kindness, like bringing a shovel when their dog passed away and being the first to visit after their children were born, emphasizing that he wasn’t just present for their big moments, he was a true part of them, alongside @vanderkimberly.
It meant so much to be your friend and share time with you,” she said. “We’ll miss you terribly, and nothing will ever feel quite the same. We promise to support your wonderful family and keep your spirit alive by celebrating life and finding joy, just as you always did. We love you and will never forget you.
Oh my gosh, hearing about James is just… heartbreaking. His Dawson’s Creek co-star said it perfectly – they called him a brother, and honestly, that’s how so many of us feel! It’s like losing family. Just…rest easy, James. We’ll miss you terribly.
In March 2026, she told Entertainment Tonight that she often thought about him and his family.
I’m truly devastated for everyone who knew and loved James – his friends, fans, and those who supported him through his illness, especially his family. My heart especially goes out to his wonderful wife, Kimberly, and their six children; I’m profoundly saddened by their loss,” Busy, a former colleague of James, shared in a post.
She shared, “James Van Der Beek was a truly special person, and I’m heartbroken by his loss. I’m still trying to process this, but I want everyone to know how much I loved him and how grateful I am for the many years of friendship we shared.”
“Had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” Ashton wrote in a post on X. “Rip.”
The star and writer, known for their work with James on the Prime Video series, shared a tribute on Instagram, calling him “A legend in every way.”
The Dancing With the Stars professional shared a heartfelt message, calling the deceased a wonderful father, husband, artist, and a truly special person. They expressed deep sympathy and offered condolences to his family.
The former star of Franklin & Bash shared that working with James many years ago was a wonderful experience, remembering him as one of the most kind, wise, and generous actors he’s ever collaborated with. He celebrated James’s lasting positive impact and sent his condolences.
Following the news of the Dawson’s Creek actor’s passing, the Hamilton writer posted a family photo from the show’s 2025 reunion on Instagram, expressing his sympathy for the Van Der Beek family.
Following a social media post, a representative for the director of Tick, Tick…BOOM! shared with TopMob News, “James fought his illness with his usual kindness and wit, and he undoubtedly helped many people through his work. I was honored to be his stand-in at the Dawson’s Creek reunion last year and cherish our friendship. I will miss him deeply.”
She shared on Instagram that I demonstrated faith in God’s plan, even through painful experiences, and especially when those experiences were heartbreaking.
I’ll never forget the other night. We were watching the sunset, and you were just…sharing everything – your thoughts, your dreams, all the promises we’ve made. We talked about how chaotic things feel sometimes, and it felt like maybe heaven really needs someone like you to bring some peace to the world. Then, right as the sun disappeared, a shooting star flashed across the sky. It felt like a sign, a reminder that everything happens for a reason, and that this wasn’t just a coincidence.
As she put it, “You are a gift.”
I was so heartbroken to hear the news. It’s just a devastating loss, and my heart goes out to their family. I’m sending all my love and prayers for peace during this incredibly difficult time, and want them to know they’re not alone – we’re all here for them.
The former Grey’s Anatomy star shared that she was feeling heartbroken and sent love and support to Kimberly Van Der Berg, writing, “Sending love, light & strength to you dear @vanderkimberly.”
I was so incredibly saddened to hear the news. It’s just heartbreaking. I’m sending all my love and support to Kimberly and her children as they go through this difficult time – my heart truly goes out to them all.
She remembered him as a genuinely kind person whose love for his family was clear to everyone. “I’m so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man, and my heart goes out to his family,” she said.
She began, addressing him as a beautiful soul, and shared how deeply he’d impacted everyone who knew him. She spoke of his wisdom, his loving presence, and the incredible bond he shared with Kimberly—a connection that felt destined. She cherished every piece of advice he’d given her, considering his life experience a priceless gift she would always treasure.
She went on, saying she couldn’t even begin to describe how beautiful his writing was. He had a gift with words, and whenever he wrote, he reminded everyone of the power of tenderness and emotion. She expressed her immense love for James and how deeply he was missed, adding that the pain of his loss would likely last forever.
“And Kimberly,” the Twilight alum added, “we are all wrapping you and those sweet babies in love. My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I’ve ever known. Here for you in every way, forever.”
She shared on Instagram that she was deeply saddened by the news of @vanderjames’ passing. She remembered him as a kind person, a devoted father, and a talented actor, fondly recalling him as her first on-screen kiss during his appearance on #ClarissaExplainsItAll.
She shared that he passed away far too young, but fought bravely. They met about two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a supportive father. She’s sending her condolences to his six children, wife, and the rest of his family.
The Dancing with the Stars professional, who partnered with James during season 28 of the show, shared a heartfelt message expressing her devastation at his passing. She wrote that he will always be family and that she loves him very much, adding that he should be proud of the person he was. She was grateful she had the chance to say goodbye.
“I’m so sorry,” she wrote. “My prayers are with you and your beautiful family.”
She expressed her deep sorrow, saying, “This news is heartbreaking, and I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. I’m sending my best wishes to everyone.”
Paul shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to James, saying, “Love you.” He expressed his belief that James is now at peace and surrounded by love in Heaven. Paul also said his family would be praying for the Van Der Beeks and would be working to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his contributions and for being a kind person.
The Dancing With the Stars pro wrote, “Sending so much love and prayers.”
She said she would never forget his kind and gentle spirit. She also expressed her love and offered her prayers to Kim and the whole family.
The One Tree Hill actor shared their condolences, writing, “Sending all my love and support to your wonderful family.” They described the deceased as an incredible person, saying, “We are so deeply sorry for your loss. He inspired us all with his words, creativity, and kindness – he made us want to be better people.” They finished with a blessing for the family.
As she wrote on Instagram, “Sending so much love to your family.”
She shared a heartfelt message, saying she loved her friends and was thinking of them after the news of James’ passing. She expressed how fortunate she was to have them in her life for so many years, and admired James as a wonderful husband, father, and brother figure to her. She was deeply grateful to have seen the love, respect, and care they all shared.
She added, “Sending all the love and light to you all.”
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2026-03-02 07:48