Hollywood Mourns the Death of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Varsity Blues’ Star James Van Der Beek at 48

James Van Der Beek lost his battle with colorectal cancer, his family announced on Wednesday, February 11.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the family shared in a statement posted 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.”

The 48-year-old was loved by many, as proven by the outpouring of love shown by friends and fans.

Jennifer Garner wrote, “What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time. ♥️”

Dawson’s Creek costar Busy Philipps shared a tribute to her Instagram, writing, “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.”

Costar Kerr Smith added, “I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”

She continued, “But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a GoFundMe 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.”

Actress Jenna Dewan added, “I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family❤️🙏🏻”

“I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me ❤️ love you so much James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.” Dancing with the Stars pro Emma Slater shared on Instagram.

“James had a kind, generous, thoughtful, and beautiful soul. There is no doubt those traits will live on through his wife and gorgeous children,” Modern Family alum Eric Stonestreet commented.

DWTS host Alfonso Ribeiro commented, “I am broken. So happy to have him in my life. Lucky I got to be there to say goodbye.”

“Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys,” Chad Michael Murray added.

Frances Fisher wrote, “Kimberly, holding you and your beautiful family in our hearts ❤️‍🔥”

“A beautiful soul and unthinkably tragic loss. Sending prayers of peace to your family as you process this. We are all by your side,” Danica McKellar chimed in.

Actor Thomas Nicholas recalled working with Van Der Beek. “Sending all my love and prayers to his family,” he wrote via Instagram. “I had the honor of working with James back in 2001. I still remember shooting our last scene of the movie first, I’ve re-told the story countless times over the years. Grateful to have known him.”