Katie Holmes has put pen to paper to share her feelings about her friend James Van Der Beek following his untimely passing.
Van Der Beek, 48, died Wednesday morning following a battle with colorectal cancer. He initially announced in November 2024 that he had “been privately dealing with this diagnosis” since August 2023, when he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Holmes and Van Der Beek famously co-starred together on Dawson’s Creek, the hit WB drama that aired from 1998-2003, as beloved pair Joey and Dawson, respectively.
“James, thank you,” she began in a touching, hand-written note that she shared on Instagram on Thursday morning. “To share a space with your imagination is scared — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression… these are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth.”
Holmes and Van Der Break broke out in Hollywood when starring on Dawson’s. Holmes was 18 when she was cast; Van Der Beek was 20 when cast in the starring role of Dawson Leery.
In her tribute, Holmes called out her friend’s bravery, compassion, selflessness and 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,” she wrote.
She said she was “holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” while expressing that she will always be there for his family, wife Kimberly and their six children.
Van Der Beek’s inner circle has quickly set up a GoFundMe account for his family, asking for financial aid after medical costs left them “out of funds.” By Thursday morning, more than $1.25 million has been raised.
Along with her post (below), Holmes wrote, “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.”
Read the full article here
