Katie Holmes is mourning the loss of her beloved friend and former Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek.
“James, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression,” wrote Holmes, 47, in a handwritten letter shared via Instagram early Thursday, February 12.
She continued, “These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth …”
“Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero,” wrote Holmes.
“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” said the actress.
“To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion,” Holmes concluded.
The actress captioned the post, “I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children. ❤️.”
Holmes’ heartfelt tribute comes shortly after Van Der Beek died at 48 following his battle with cancer. (The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 11, that Van Der Beek was pronounced dead at 6:44 a.m. that morning.)
Van Der Beek and Holmes formed a lasting bond while playing Dawson Leery and Joey Potter, the longtime friends-turned-love interests that defined the popular TV series Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons from January 1998 to May 2003.
The actor’s death was announced in a statement shared by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, via Instagram on Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” it read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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 is survived by Kimberly, 44, and the couple’s six kids: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
In 2024, the actor revealed he was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer one year prior. At the time, James said he was remaining optimistic and “taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
As his illness progressed, Holmes was among the Dawson’s Creek cast members who showed their love for James when he was unable to attend the cast reunion in September 2025.
“I will never find the words for what these three beautiful humans mean to me,” Holmes wrote alongside a video on Instagram after the event in New York City, giving a special shout-out to James and fellow costars Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams. “For our shared journey. For our everlasting bond. James, Josh, Michelle … from April 1997 — I love you.”
Williams, 45, and Jackson, 47, both captivated audiences while portraying Jen Lindley and Pacey Witter, respectively.
“James, you got this. We got you,” Holmes continued in her message last fall. “To everyone who supported us from the beginning and who continue to support James and his beautiful family, we thank you.”
Following the news of James’ death, donations were made to the family’s GoFundMe, which has a $500K goal. The website revealed “the costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.”
“Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education,” the description stated. “Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives.”
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