Sarah Michelle Gellar, Busy Philipps and More Honor Late Actor James Van Der Beek

The entertainment world is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved “Dawson’s Creek” star who passed away peacefully on February 11 after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old. Following the news, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media from co-stars, friends, and colleagues who worked with the actor throughout his decades-long career.

Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote, “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. Fuck Cancer.” The “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” star also shared a photo on her Instagram story from their teen drama days, calling Van Der Beek “one of the good guys.”

Chad Michael Murray, who starred alongside Van Der Beek on One Tree Hill, wrote, “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways.”

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Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Busy Philipps shared behind-the-scenes photos and expressed profound grief, stating the actor “was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.” She emphasised her heartbreak for his wife, Kimberly and their six children.

Dancing With the Stars pro Emma Slater, who was partnered with Van Der Beek on Season 28, wrote, “I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much, James. The man that you are, you can be proud of.”

Alfonso Ribeiro, the Dancing With the Stars host, shared he had a final moment with his good friend, writing, “I am broken. So happy to have him in my life. Lucky I got to be there to say goodbye.”

Actress Krysten Ritter, his co-star from “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23,” described him as a “beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathetic, kind, talented and just pure magic.”

Industry tributes also poured in. Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios released a statement saying Van Der Beek “was a husband, father, consummate professional, and, most recently, a vocal advocate for cancer awareness.” The Hollywood Reporter praised his work on their series “Overcompensating” and the upcoming “Elle” series.

The actor’s wife, Kimberly, announced his passing on Instagram, sharing that he “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” Yahoo! Van Der Beek is survived by his wife and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

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