Hollywood is in mourning, and the heartbreak is impossible to ignore.
Tributes honoring James Van Der Beek began pouring in within hours of the devastating news of his passing. With each new message, the depth of the loss became even more apparent. His death did not just shake the entertainment industry; it opened a wave of memories, final goodbyes, and deeply personal stories from the people who knew him best.
Some shared polished portraits. Others posted decades-old memories. A few revealed moments from his final days. Together, they paint a picture far bigger than fame.
Katie Holmes’ Handwritten Goodbye
In a deeply personal tribute, Katie Holmes shared something rare in today’s digital world: a handwritten letter. At the top of the page, she simply wrote, “James.”
In her message, she expressed:
“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.”
She addressed his wife directly, writing:
“We love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
Inside the letter, Holmes reflected on what it meant to work alongside him:
“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.”
She remembered laughter, conversations about life, songs, and “adventures of a unique youth,” before distilling his essence into four qualities: bravery, compassion, selflessness, and strength.
She also honored his devotion to family, describing his “beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero.” In one of the most poignant lines, she wrote:
“I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
A Brotherhood Beyond Hollywood: Alfonso Ribeiro
Alfonso Ribeiro’s tribute was raw and emotional.
“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend,” he wrote. “He was my true friend, brother, and life guide.”
Ribeiro revealed that he stood beside Van Der Beek throughout his battle with cancer, describing it as a roller coaster of hopeful highs and devastating lows. He shared how much James and his wife had impacted his own family.
Perhaps most powerfully, he wrote:
“I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s godfather as one of the most important roles of my life.”
He also shared that he was able to say goodbye in person just days before James passed — a moment that will stay with him forever.
Angela Ribeiro’s Memories
Angela Ribeiro offered an even more intimate glimpse into his personality. She recalled ski trips, endless text chats, and voice notes that always began with “hello, soul sister.”
She lovingly remembered the playful teasing between them and spoke about being present during his final days, grateful they were able to tell him how deeply he was loved.
She included one detail that lingers: whenever “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” plays, she will be brought back to their final moments together.
More Tributes
Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a nostalgic photo from their youth together.
Chad Michael Murray called on others to be a blessing to his family, saying James had been a blessing to them all.
Eric Stonestreet reflected on attending his first Hollywood party at James’ home and later having the privilege of working with him and calling him a friend.
Jennifer Garner described his passing as heartbreaking and sent love to his wife and children.
Reese Witherspoon and Hilary Swank also shared brief but deeply heartfelt messages.
His Passing
James Van Der Beek, forever known for his role as Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek,” passed away at the age of 48 on February 11, 2026.
In a statement shared by his family, they confirmed that he “passed peacefully this morning.” The message described his final days as filled with “courage, faith, and grace,” and asked for privacy as they grieve their loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
He was more than a late-’90s television icon. In recent years, he became known as a devoted family man and father of six: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
His Battle With Cancer
Van Der Beek had been quietly battling stage 3 colorectal cancer for more than a year before making his diagnosis public. He revealed that it was discovered after a routine colonoscopy and shared that he was undergoing treatment with the support of his family.
In September 2025, he was scheduled to attend a highly anticipated “Dawson’s Creek” reunion event in New York City to benefit F Cancer. Just one day before the event, he announced he would not be able to attend due to illness.
However, he appeared in a prerecorded video message that played during the reunion at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. Visibly frail but heartfelt, he expressed how much he wished he could be there in person and thanked fans for their years of support.
With his signature sincerity and humor, he even introduced the evening’s special guest.
For many watching, the moment felt deeply emotional — not just an appearance, but something closer to a farewell.
