James Van Der Beek’s former castmate on Dawson’s Creek is remembering the late star’s impact on her life after briefly working together on the hit series two decades earlier.
The actor had portrayed the character of Dawson Leery while actress Kristen Solt played his younger sister Lilly in the final two episodes of the show back in 2003.
Van Der Beek’s death at age 48 was confirmed by his loved ones on social media on Wednesday following his battle with stage three colorectal cancer.
Solt had just been seven-years-old when she filmed her role in the teen drama series. A deleted scene in which Lilly and Dawson discuss what a soulmate is has often gone viral over the years.
The actress candidly discussed Van Der Beek’s ‘heartbreaking’ passing while also calling him the ‘best TV big brother’ during an interview with People published on Friday.
‘When I learned of James’s diagnosis, I was deeply saddened, and hearing of his passing this week was truly heartbreaking. My mom, sister and I shed real tears,’ Solt told the outlet.
James Van Der Beek’s former castmate on Dawson’s Creek is remembering the late star’s impact on her life after briefly working together on the hit series two decades earlier; seen in 2024 in L.A.
Solt candidly discussed Van Der Beek’s ‘heartbreaking’ passing while also calling him the ‘best TV big brother’ during an interview with People published on Friday
She also expressed how the series had ‘meant something to so many people.’
Solt then sent love to ‘his family, his loved ones and to the fans who grew up with him. He was part of so many people’s coming-of-age stories, and that kind of impact lasts a lifetime.’
The media personality recalled being cast on Dawson’s Creek and shooting the final two episodes over the span of three weeks.
In the show, Van Der Beek’s character had been interested in film and was a big fan of director Steven Spielberg. Her role of Lilly had also been supportive of her older sibling’s interest in movies.
‘For three weeks in 2003, I had a big brother. James was simply the best TV big brother I could have ever asked for,’ she said.
When they weren’t filming, Van Der Beek would often spark up a conversation with her in between takes.
‘He made me feel comfortable and at ease during those long filming days,’ Solt further added.
A deleted scene between Solt and Van Der Beek’s characters shows the pair defining a soulmate.
The actor had portrayed the character of Dawson Leery while actress Kristen Solt played his younger sister Lilly in the final two episodes of the show back in 2003
‘For three weeks in 2003, I had a big brother. James was simply the best TV big brother I could have ever asked for,’ she said
‘He made me feel comfortable and at ease during those long filming days,’ Solt further added; Van Der Beek seen in 2024 in L.A.
‘Well, it’s like a best friend, but more. It’s the one person in the world that knows you better than anyone else. It’s someone who makes you a better person,’ he had said.
‘Actually, they don’t make you a better person, you do that yourself because they inspire you. A soul mate is someone who you carry with you forever.’
His character continued, ‘It’s the one person who knew you and accepted you and believed in you before anyone else did or when no one else would. And no matter what happens, you’ll always love her. Nothing can ever change that. Make sense?’
Solt told People, ‘Our “What’s a soulmate” scene will always exist, but it’s the feeling behind it and the comfort it gave people that I’ll carry with me.’
Following his passing, the actress expressed that she will always remember ‘the kindness and sincerity he brought to his work and how that translated onto the screen.’
Solt has previously shared TikTok videos that went viral as she reflected on her small role on Dawson’s Creek.
Back in 2021, she humorously uploaded a clip with the caption, ‘pls help me trying to reach my brother!’
Van Der Beek eventually offered a sweet response in the comment section of one her reels by penning, ‘OMG… I thought people on TV just stayed that age forever! How are you? You grew up!’
Following his passing, the actress expressed that she will always remember ‘the kindness and sincerity he brought to his work and how that translated onto the screen’
Van Der Beek eventually offered a sweet response in the comment section of one her reels by penning, ‘OMG… I thought people on TV just stayed that age forever! How are you? You grew up!’
Solt also revealed to People that their messages on TikTok in 2021 had been the last time they communicated before his death.
‘I wish we could have chatted more, but those summer days via TikTok were the last times we connected.’
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media.
It read, ‘Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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 had announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
A source previously told the Daily Mail that he ‘had not been in treatment for a while because there was nothing more the doctors could do, the cancer was aggressive.’
Other fans and celebrities mourned his loss on social media and sent condolences to his loved ones.
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek’s family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media
Van Der Beek had announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024
Some of his Dawson’s Creek castmates paid tribute to the late star including Katie Holmes who shared an emotional letter to Instagram as well as Busy Philipps and Chad Michael Murray.
Van Der Beek is survived by his widow Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.
Friends of the late star launched a GoFundMe page on Wednesday to help raise donations for Kimberly and their six children after his health battle ‘left the family out of funds.’
As of Friday, the page has raised over $2 million in donations and the organizers sent a message saying it has been ‘a light’ for his loved ones.
‘Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for showing up for James and his beautiful family,’ friends of Van Der Beek wrote. ‘Your kindness has meant more than we can put into words.
‘In the middle of deep grief, your support has been a light. It reminds us that love is real, that community is strong, and that James’s spirit continues to bring people together.’
The message added that the late star’s family is ‘taking time to mourn and be with one another.’
Friends further asked for ‘space and privacy’ for Kimberly and their kids so they have ‘the room they need to heal’ amid ‘this painful season.’
Van Der Beek is survived by his widow Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four
As of Friday, the page has raised over $2 million in donations and the organizers sent a message saying it has been ‘a light’ for his loved ones
The statement concluded with, ‘Please continue to keep James’s wife and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for honoring his life with compassion, generosity, and love.’
The goal on GoFundMe had been set at $1.5 million but that number was quickly surpassed as generous donations poured in.
Zoe Saldana notably contributed $2,500 – and will continue to donate that same number monthly. Filmmaker Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw made a $25,000 donation to Van Der Beek’s family.
Caldera Lab gave $50,000 while Guardant Health matched Spielberg’s donation of $25,000.
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