In brief
The beloved character from Dawson's Creek, James Van Der Beek, has passed away, prompting an outpouring of tributes from his co-stars. Busy Philipps and Mary-Margaret Humes highlighted his impact on their lives, as they and others rallied support for his grieving family.
James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson's Creek, has tragically passed away at the age of 48 after battling bowel cancer. Diagnosed in late 2023, he kept his illness private until revealing it publicly in November 2024.His co-star Busy Philipps expressed her heartbreak on Instagram, describing Van Der Beek as 'one in a billion,' sharing fond memories of their friendship. Alongside her tribute, she urged her followers to contribute to a GoFundMe campaign set up to support his widow, Kimberley, and their six children, aged between four and 15.Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed Van Der Beek's mother in the series, praised his strength throughout his illness and shared cherished moments they've had together, while other Dawson's Creek alumni echoed similar sentiments on social media, celebrating his legacy.In addition to sending love to his family, they called attention to his profound impact on their lives as friends and as part of the larger Dawson's Creek family. The loss resonated throughout the entertainment community, with tributes flooding in from various segments of the industry, showcasing the communal grief felt by many.As fans remember him for his iconic role and genuine spirit, many people are also contributing to the support efforts for the family he leaves behind.
