Hollywood has led emotional tributes following the heartbreaking news of James Van Der Beek‘s death at the age of 48.
The Dawson’s Creek star’s passing was confirmed by his loved ones on social media on Wednesday following his public two-year battle with colorectal cancer.
Celebrities such as Chad Michael Murray and Jennifer Garner shared their condolences in the comment section as they responded to the loss.
Murray penned, ‘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.’
Garner Garner typed, ‘What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time. ♥️.’
Hollywood has led tributes following the heartbreaking news of James Van Der Beek’s death at the age of 48; seen in May 2025 in L.A.
Celebrities such as Chad Michael Murray and Jennifer Garner shared their condolences in the comment section as they responded to the loss
Teen Wolf alum Tyler Posey said, ‘Love you brother.’
Jenna Dewan commented, ‘I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family.’
Singer Katharine McPhee and wife of David Foster wrote, ‘This is just beyond devastating news. I’m so so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.’
Riverdale alum Drew Ray Tanner shared, ‘Amazing man and father. Rest in peace my friend.’
Tanner had worked alongside Van Der Beek in the 2024 film Sidelined: The QB And Me as well as the 2025 sequel Sidelined 2: Intercepted.
Hilaria Baldwin added, ‘Sending so much love. I’m so sorry.’
NSYNC singer Lance Bass typed, ‘We are sending your beautiful family so much love. Safe travels James. You made this world a better place. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️.’
Twilight alum Nikki Reed also shared a lengthy message which read, ‘You beautiful soul. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing you is forever changed by you. Your depth, your presence, your unparalleled love for your family.
‘The connection you and Kimberly have that transcends lifetimes. You still hold the prize for wisest person I’ve ever known.’
The actress reflected on his experiences that he shared with fans as well as his ‘gift’ with words.
Reed additionally shared, ‘Oh James, you are so so so deeply loved. And so so deeply missed. My heart aches and I’m sure the ripples of those aches will be felt forever. And Kimberly, 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. ❤️.’
The Sopranos actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler shared, ‘We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe. Flu high James. You were everything good in this world.’
Alfonso Ribeiro wrote, ‘I am broken. So happy to have him in my life. Lucky I got to be there to say goodbye.’
Man v. Food star Adam Richman added, ‘What?!?! Can’t fathom this – met him a few times, each nicer than the last. What a vibrant gentleman. Makes no sense.’
Modern Family alum Eric Stonestreet said, ‘James had a kind, generous, thoughtful, and beautiful soul. There is no doubt those traits will love on through his wife and gorgeous children. Rest In Peace, man.’
Hallmark star Danica McKellar penned, ‘A beautiful soul and unthinkably tragic loss. Sending prayers of peace to your family as you process this. We are all by your side.’
Another former Twilight star Kellan Lutz added, ‘So sorry for you, your family, the worlds loss.’
Cameo co-founder Martin Blencowe uploaded a photo of himself alongside Van Der Beek as well as sharing a tribute.
‘I’m deeply saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek. I got to meet him last year at his home in Texas. I can say that he and his wife have a beautiful relationship. He has a beautiful family with six beautiful kids.’
He added, ‘The energy that came from that house was nothing but love. My heart goes out to them. I saw that Kimberly, his wife, started a GoFundMe page. Please, please make a donation. I just did.
‘I know it will mean a lot to the family. James, from my interaction with him, was a lovely, kind human being, and he will be greatly missed.’
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s loved ones confirmed the actor’s death on social media.
The post read: ‘Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
Cameo co-founder Martin Blencowe uploaded a photo of himself alongside Van Der Beek as well as sharing a tribute
‘I’m deeply saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek. I got to meet him last year at his home in Texas,’ he recalled
He is survived by his wife Kimberly as well as their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven and Jeremiah, four
‘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.’
He is survived by his wife Kimberly as well as their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven and Jeremiah, four.
A GoFundMe page has also been created with the goal of raising $350,000 to support the late actor’s family.
In a description, his family confirmed that Van Der Beek passed away on February 11 after ‘a long and courageous battle with cancer.’
It was also shared that, ‘Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care…’
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s loved ones confirmed the actor’s death on social media
A GoFundMe page has also been created with the goal of raising $350,000 to support the late actor’s family
Van Der Beek revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
He shared the news to People in a statement and expressed at the time, ‘I have colorectal cancer.
‘I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.’
He later took to Instagram to reveal that he was forced to go public with his cancer diagnosis before telling his family.
Van Der Beek revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024
Throughout his career in Hollywood, the actor was known for a number of roles – such as playing Dawson Leery on the series Dawson’s Creek from 1998 through 2003
The late star’s most recent Instagram post had been shared on January 25 as he celebrated both his daughter and father’s birthdays
The late star’s most recent Instagram post had been shared on January 25 as he celebrated both his daughter and father’s birthdays.
Throughout his career in Hollywood, the actor was known for a number of roles – such as playing Dawson Leery on the series Dawson’s Creek from 1998 through 2003.
The show had also cast Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams.
Van Der Beek starred in other projects including Varsity Blues (1999), The Rules Of Attraction (2002) and How I Met Your Mother.
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