Katie Holmes mourns Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek: He is loved
Katie Holmes shared an emotional tribute to her Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek, who died after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He praised his bravery and selflessness, expressed his deep gratitude to his loving wife and children for their journey together.
Actress Katie Holmes has paid an emotional tribute to her Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek. Van Der Beek died on Wednesday after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and was survived by his wife, Kimberly Brook, and their six children.
Holmes, who played Joey Potter, the girlfriend of Van Der Beek’s Dawson Leary on Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten note on her Instagram handle. Her letter read, “James…Thank you. It is sacred to share space with your imagination – breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression…(sic).”
“These are some of the memories, filled with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor’s songs – the adventures of a unique youth. Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. Appreciation for life and the steps taken to live life with the integrity that life is an art – creating a beautiful marriage, six lovely children – a hero’s journey. I mourn this loss with deep gratitude for the reality of his absence and the imprint he has on me. Kimberly and the children We are always here for you and will always be here to shower you with love and compassion…(sic).”
Holmes also added an emotional caption, writing, “With a heavy heart I formed some words. There’s a lot of work to be done. I’m so grateful to share a part of James’s journey. He is darling. Kimberly, we love you and will always be here for you and your beautiful babies. (heart emoji)…(sic).”
Van der Beek was a familiar face to audiences in the late 1990s and early 2000s. except for Dawson’s CreekSeen in films like varsity Blues and went on to have a diverse career in television and film.
Actor Jennifer Garner described his passing as a “heartbreaking loss” and sent love to his widow Kimberly and their children. Model Tess Holliday also prayed for the family.
In November 2025, Van der Beek announced an auction of personal television memorabilia to help fund treatment for colorectal cancer. The auction took place in December 2025.
The acting union SAG-AFTRA, which the late actor joined in 1994, recognized him for “bringing honesty, depth and heart to his performances.”
