Stars of "Dawson's Creek" are paying tribute to James Van Der Beek following his death.
The 48-year-old actor, who is known for playing the show's titular character, Dawson Leery, died Wednesday morning following a battle with colorectal cancer.
His family shared the news on his official Instagram page. He is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children.
Upon the news of his death, actors who starred alongside Van Der Beek in the hit WB teen drama, including Katie Holmes, Mary-Margaret Humes and Busy Philipps, took to social media to remember the actor.
Holmes shared a photo of a handwritten letter about Van Der Beek on Instagram, captioning the photo, "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. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children. ❤️"
Philipps, who portrayed Audrey Liddell, added in her social media tribute: "My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister."
She went on said that she is "heartbroken" for Van Der Beek's wife and children and urged others to help them out via their Go Fund Me.
"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 added. "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.❤️"
Humes, who played Van Der Beek's TV mom in the show, shared photos of herself with Van Der Beek and wrote she is at a "loss for words."
"James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity," she captioned the post on Instagram. "I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping. To our extended Dawson’s Creek family of friends … please be respectful of our silences at the moment as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy for now."
The official Instagram page for "Dawson's Creek" via Sony Pictures also addressed Van Der Beek's death and remembered the actor for his iconic role as Leery.
"We are deeply saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek," the show said. "His iconic portrayal of Dawson Leery helped define a generation of television for fans and continues to resonate with audiences today. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones."
Additionally, stars across Hollywood began paying tribute to Van Der Beek and took to the comments section of his Instagram post to remember him.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, whose career also rose to fame alongside Van Der Beek's in the '90s.
"I'm so sad for your beautiful family," Gellar commented on Van Der Beek's Instagram post. "While James legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F--- cancer."
Actress Nikki Reed joined Gellar in the comments and paid tribute to Van Der Beek, writing, "You beautiful soul. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing you is forever changed by you. Your depth, your presence, your unparalleled love for your family."
She continued, "The connection you and Kimberly have that transcends lifetimes. You still hold the prize for wisest person I’ve ever known. Every piece of advice, every nugget of life experience you shared was a treasure I’ll hold close forever."
"Oh James, you are so so so deeply loved," she added. "And so so deeply missed. My heart aches and I’m sure the ripples of those aches will be felt forever. And Kimberly, we are all wrapping you and those sweet babies in love. My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I’ve ever known. Here for you in every way, forever. ❤️”
In another comment, Chad Michael Murray 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. God bless you guys🙏"
Lance Bass added, "We are sending your beautiful family so much love. Safe travels James. You made this world a better place. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️"
Jennifer Garner wrote a message to Van Der Beek's family and said, "What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time."
"Dancing with the Stars" pro Emma Slater, who was partnered with Van Der Beek when he competed on season 28 of the show, commented and 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. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you," she added.
Other stars who echoed Slater and Garner's words about Van Der Beek included Christie Brinkley, Jenna Dewan, Olivia Munn and Eric Stonestreet, who remembered Van Der Beek's "kind, generous, thoughtful, and beautiful soul."
"There is no doubt those traits will live on through his wife and gorgeous children," Stonestreet added.
