The internet mourns James Van Der Beek's death
The internet is mourning Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died on Wednesday, Feb. 11. He was 48 years old.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," the actor's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote on Instagram. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Van Der Beek announced in late 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer.
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Van Der Beek's Dawson's Creek co-star Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter alongside his Dawson Leery, posted a handwritten letter on Instagram.
"James, Thank you," she wrote. "To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others' hearts are safe in their expression...These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth…"
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson's mother Gail on the show, also posted a tribute on Instagram.
"Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity. I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping."
The internet has also reacted to the untimely passing of the beloved actor, who epitomized late '90s teen angst in his role on the WB drama. Van Der Beek also starred in the football film Varsity Blues, the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' The Rules of Attraction, and the cult sitcom favorite Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife and six children.
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Tim Marcin is an Associate Editor on the culture team at Mashable, where he mostly digs into the weird parts of the internet. You'll also see some coverage of memes, tech, sports, trends, and the occasional hot take. You can find him on Bluesky (sometimes), Instagram (infrequently), or eating Buffalo wings (as often as possible).
