James Van Der Beek's Dawson's Creek Co-Stars Remember ‘One In A Billion’ Actor
James Van Der Beek’s Dawson’s Creek castmates have paid their respects to their former co-star following his death on Wednesday at the age of 48.
The late actor starred in the teen TV drama for six seasons as Dawson Leery, and became a pop culture icon.
“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,” actor Busy Phillips, who played Audrey Liddell, a college friend of Dawson’s, wrote in an Instagram post shortly after the news broke. “Every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him.
“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.”
Actor Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mum, described James as a “gracious warrior” and praised his “quiet strength and dignity” as he navigated treatment for colorectal cancer.
“Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping,” she wrote on Instagram.
Actor Kerr Smith, who portrayed Jack McPhee, a friend of Dawson’s, and actor Chad Michael Murray, who played Charlie Todd, a romantic interest for multiple characters, also remembered James in Instagram comments on his family’s post announcing his death.
“I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply,” Kerr wrote.
“James was a giant,” added Chad. “His words, art and humanity inspired all of us — he inspired us to be better in all ways.”
The official social media account for the show also honoured James’ role on the show, describing his performance as one that “helped define a generation of television”.
Other prominent actors who starred alongside James in the teen TV drama included Katie Holmes, who played Dawson’s best friend Joey Potter, Joshua Jackson, who played close friend Pacey Witter, and Michelle Williams, who played neighbour Jen Lindley.
Meanwhile, actor Krysten Ritter – alongside whom James played a fictionalised version of himself in Don’t Trust The B– In Apartment 23 – remembered him as a “beautiful human inside and out” and “smart, funny, empathic, kind, talented and just pure magic”.
“I’m so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken,” she told her Instagram followers, sending “all my love” to “his amazing wife Kimberly and their children”.
James’ family announced his death via his Instagram account on Wednesday.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the family said in the statement.
“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”