From castmates like Roger Avary to his close friend Stacy Keibler to Hollywood celebrities like Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jennifer Garner mourned the death of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ (‘Dawson Grows Up’) star James Van Der Beek on Wednesday at the age of 48 after a battle with colon cancer.
“Today I learned that my dear friend James Van Der Beek, with whom I worked on ‘The Rules of Attraction’ and who has been a pillar of strength to me and my family in the most difficult of times, passed away last night. I knew he was fighting a terrible battle with courage and compassion,” Avary said in a posting on X.
Farewell to James Van Der Beek
I’ve today learned that my dear friend James Van Der Beek, with whom I worked with on The Rules of Attraction, who has been a pillar of strength to me and my family during the hardest of times, passed away last night. I knew he was fighting a terrible battle with courage and…
– Roger Avary (@AVARY) February 11, 2026
“I am fortunate to have recently had a very philosophical and existential phone conversation. I have never met anyone like him, and rarely have I felt such a close and deep connection. My heart aches for his loss and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children,” he added.
For his part, his friend and actor Austin Nichols wrote a farewell message on his social networks: “James represented something to aspire to. And as a friend, husband and father, I know he was even more powerful and inspiring. We will miss you,” he said.
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His friend Stacy Keibler dedicated a lengthy letter to him on her Instagram account in which she also expressed her gratitude for having been able to spend time with the actor in his last days of life.
“We may have lost someone good here on earth…but heaven gained something extraordinary. I will think of you every time I see a sunset. Every time I see a rainbow stretch across the sky. I’ll know you’re there,” he said.
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Emma Slater, who paired with James Van Der Beek on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ in 2018, expressed her sadness at his loss and was grateful to have been able to say goodbye to him.
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Other Hollywood personalities such as Chad Michael Murray or actor Paul Walter Hauser sent “much love and light” to the actor’s family or shared the campaign created on GoFundMe to financially support the family after the actor’s battle against cancer.
The expressions of affection were also extended among Jennifer Garner, Katharine Foster and Sarah Michelle Gellar: “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a great loss not only for his family, but for the world,” said the ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ actress.
Filed under: Farewell to James Van Der Beek
With information from EFE
