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The passing of James Van Der Beek reverberated throughout the entertainment industry after his family shared news of his death on February 11, 2026. Past colleagues, close companions, and various industry figures honored the memory of the late Varsity Blues celebrity, who fought colon cancer in his concluding years.
Peruse the accolades for James from his former associates, companions, and fellow professionals.
Katie Holmes
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Katie, James’ previous Dawson’s Creek costar, displayed a touching handwritten message on her social media, expressing thanks to James for their shared experiences.
“James, I’m grateful,” Katie expressed. “To inhabit a space with your creativity is cherished—sharing the same atmosphere in the realm of fantasy and having faith that everyone’s emotions are sheltered in their expression. These constitute some of the memories, alongside humor, discussions on existence, James Taylor tunes—escapades of a singular adolescence. … A regard for living with the honesty that life embodies art—forging a splendid union, six affectionate children, the adventure of a champion. I lament this demise with a spirit embracing the actuality of his nonexistence and profound thankfulness for his effect on it.”
Busy Philipps
Is a ‘Dawson’s Creek’ reunion going to happen? Busy Philipps tells #TheView: “I really hope so.”
“I feel like 2025 is our year… getting the gang back together.” pic.twitter.com/E46U94zw7Q
— The View (@TheView) May 9, 2025
Busy, who similarly collaborated with James on Dawson’s Creek, communicated in her homage, “My emotions are significantly wounded for each of us at this time…every individual acquainted with James and who cared for him, anybody who admired his artistry or had the privilege of encountering him, all of his esteemed comrades and circle that encompassed him as he battled this affliction, particularly his parents and siblings. Though, I am overwhelmingly grieved for his magnificent partner, Kimberly, along with their half-dozen enchanting offspring.”
“James Van Der Beek existed as one in a multitude, and he shall be perpetually missed, and I am unsure what else I can state. I am simply tremendously devastated. He stood as my friend, and I held him in affection, and I’m exceptionally grateful for our bond throughout the years.”
Stacy Kiebler
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Stacy drafted an extensive note on Instagram directed to James, recognizing him for displaying to her “what it means to put faith in the divine roadmap, despite when it shatters your heart.”
“Particularly when it breaks your heart,” she carried on. “The prior evening, we witnessed the sundown collectively, as you conveyed your insight, your aspirations, and the commitments we made to one another. We deliberated about how this realm can seem inverted…along with the possibility that paradise currently necessitates your essence to assist in stabilizing us down here. And precisely as the sun faded away, a celestial projectile streaked across the expanse…almost as if to remind us that none of this unfolds randomly.”
Emma Slater
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Emma, who was partnered with James on Dancing with the Stars, communicated she felt “utterly crushed,” including, “He remains and shall perpetually be kin to me. Much affection to you, James. You can feel a sense of pride about the individual you embody. Immense gratitude that I gained the chance to be present to bid you farewell.” She also referenced James as her “older brother.”