“Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek died Tuesday after more than a year-long battle with cancer. Following the announcement of his passing, Van Der Beek’s Instagram page and more were flooded with mourners, including his former “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Busy Philipps, former “Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23” co-star Krysten Ritter, Lance Bass, Olivia Munn and more.
Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell on “Dawson’s Creek,” wrote on Instagram that her heart is “deeply hurting” for everyone who knew Van Der Beek, but especially his family.
“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say,” she wrote. “I am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
The official Instagram account for the show, as well as Sony Pictures Television, also memorialized Van Der Beek, writing that “his iconic portrayal of Dawson Leery helped define a generation of television for fans and continues to resonate with audiences today.”
Ritter, who played Van Der Beek’s onscreen best friend on “Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23,” posted on her Instagram Stories, “Really hard news today … Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathic, kind, talented and just pure magic. I’m so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken. All my love goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their children.”
The actress signed off her tribute saying she loved “James and fake James,” a reference to Van Der Beek playing a parodied version of himself on the ABC comedy.
In a post to her Instagram story, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star Sarah Michelle Gellar also mourned Van Der Beek, sharing a photo of the two of them together in their younger years.
“I grew up alongside [him],” she wrote. “He was one of the good guys. This is a true loss.”
Fellow actor Paul Walter Hauser was among the first to post a tribute, thanking Van Der Beek for “being one of the good guys,” and calling for donations to support the Van Der Beek family.
“Love you, James,” Hauser wrote. “I know you’re in Heaven being pampered with love. The Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we’ll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family.”
Hauser had actually started the fundraiser last month, after learning Van Der Beek was selling props from “Dawson’s Creek” to help pay for his treatments. According to Hauser, “it didn’t sit well with me.”
“I am an actor and father of 3 children, and I want them inheriting my trinkets/wardrobe/memorabilia someday,” he wrote at the time. “I wouldn’t want to auction off a Stingray shirt or Marvel script to make ends meet for treatment.”
Van Der Beek’s widow shared the news of his passing on Instagram as well, quickly seeing a flood of friends and fellow actors paying tribute.
“We are sending your beautiful family so much love,” Lance Bass, former *NSYNC member commented. “Safe travels James. You made this world a better place.
Director Roger Avary, who worked with Van Der Beek on “The Rules of Attraction,” remembered the actor as “a pillar of strength.”
“I have never known anyone else quite like him, and rarely felt so close a working connection, and my heart is broken at the loss, and my thoughts and prayers are with his wife and children,” Avary wrote. “God bless you, James. I love you forever.”
Fox Entertainment shared a statement mourning Van Der Beek’s loss, noting his appearance in their “Full Monty” cancer awareness special from last season: “We are heartbroken by the passing of James Van Der Beek. An extraordinarily gifted actor, he was adored by generations of audiences for his breakthrough roles and thoughtful performances.
When we began casting Fox’s cancer awareness special ‘The Real Full Monty,’ James was among the first to step forward. Facing his own health challenges, he chose to share his story with remarkable courage and generosity, using his voice to raise awareness around cancer screening and encourage others to take their health seriously. Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly, their children, and all who loved him. He will be remembered not only for his body of work, but for his warmth, honesty, and grace.”
Other actors, including “Pretty Little Liars” alum Keegan Allen, “Law & Order” star Mehcad Brooks, Olivia Munn and more all offered condolences as well. You can see more tributes to James Van Der Beek below.
