Katie Holmes is mourning the lack of her beloved buddy and former Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek.
“James, thanks. To share area together with your creativeness is sacred — respiratory the identical air within the land of make-believe and trusting that one another’s hearts are secure of their expression,” wrote Holmes, 47, in a handwritten letter shared by way of Instagram early Thursday, February 12.
She continued, “These are a few of the reminiscences, together with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a novel youth …”
“Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Power. An appreciation for all times and the motion taken to stay life with the integrity that life is artwork — creating a ravishing marriage, six loving youngsters — the journey of a hero,” wrote Holmes.
“I mourn this loss with a coronary heart holding the truth of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” stated the actress.
“To Kimberly and the youngsters, we’re right here for you all the time. And can all the time be there to bathe you with love and compassion,” Holmes concluded.
The actress captioned the put up, “I fashioned some phrases with a heavy coronary heart. This can be a lot to course of. I’m so grateful to have shared in a chunk of James’ journey. He’s beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will probably be right here all the time for you and your lovely youngsters. ❤️.”
Holmes’ heartfelt tribute comes shortly after Van Der Beek died at 48 following his battle with most cancers. (The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Workplace confirmed to Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 11, that Van Der Beek was pronounced useless at 6:44 a.m. that morning.)
Van Der Beek and Holmes fashioned a long-lasting bond whereas taking part in Dawson Leery and Joey Potter, the longtime friends-turned-love pursuits that outlined the favored TV collection Dawson’s Creekwhich ran for six seasons from January 1998 to Might 2003.

The actor’s loss of life was introduced in an announcement shared by his spouse, Kimberly Van Der Beekby way of Instagram on Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek handed peacefully this morning,” it learn. “He met his remaining days with braveness, religion, and style. There’s a lot to share relating to his needs, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. These days will come. For now, we ask for peaceable privateness as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and buddy.”
Van Der Beek is survived by Kimberly, 44, and the couple’s six children: daughters Olivia15, Annabel12, Emilia9, and Gwendolyn7, and sons Joshua13, and Jeremiah4.
In 2024, the actor revealed he was recognized with stage III colorectal most cancers one yr prior. On the time, James stated he was remaining optimistic and “taking steps to resolve it, with the assist of my unimaginable household.”

The solid of ‘Dawson’s Creek’ together with James Van Der Beek within the again row. Center row: Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Meredith Monroe and Kerr Smith. Entrance row: Katie Holmes.
GettyAs his sickness progressed, Holmes was among the many Dawson’s Creek solid members who confirmed their love for James when he was unable to attend the solid reunion in September 2025.
“I’ll by no means discover the phrases for what these three lovely people imply to me,” Holmes wrote alongside a video on Instagram after the occasion in New York Metropolis, giving a particular shout-out to James and fellow costars Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams. “For our shared journey. For our eternal bond. James, Josh, Michelle … from April 1997 — I really like you.”
Williams, 45, and Jackson, 47, each captivated audiences whereas portraying Jen Lindley and Pacey Witter, respectively.
“James, you bought this. We bought you,” Holmes continued in her message final fall. “To everybody who supported us from the start and who proceed to assist James and his lovely household, we thanks.”
Following the information of James’ loss of life, donations have been made to the household’s GoFundMewhich has a $500K purpose. The web site revealed “the prices of James’s medical care and the prolonged struggle in opposition to most cancers have left the household out of funds.”
“Your generosity will assist cowl important residing bills, pay payments, and assist the youngsters’s schooling,” the outline said. “Each donation, irrespective of the scale, will assist Kimberly and her household discover hope and safety as they rebuild their lives.”


