Holmes posted a lengthy handwritten note honoring Van Der Beek’s life after her longtime friend and costar died Wednesday at 48.

Katie Holmes shares emotional tribute to Dawson’s Creek costar James Van Der Beek after his death: ‘I mourn this loss’

Holmes posted a lengthy handwritten note honoring Van Der Beek's life after her longtime friend and costar died Wednesday at 48.

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February 12, 2026 9:21 a.m. ET

James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes on 'Dawson's Creek'. Credit:

Katie Holmes has penned a heartfelt tribute to her *Dawson's Creek* costar James Van Der Beek one day after his death at age 48.

After starring on six seasons of the teen drama together between 1998 and 2003, Holmes honored her friend and his life Thursday morning in an emotional Instagram post.**

"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," Holmes, 47, wrote in the post's caption, alongside a photo of a handwritten note she penned in honor of Van Der Beek, his wife Kimberly, and their six kids. "He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children."

"Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others’ hearts are safe in their expression," Holmes wrote in the note, adding, "These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth."

She went on to hail Van Der Beek's "bravery," "compassion," "selflessness," and "strength," observing that he had "an appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children."

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Holmes called his journey through life, including his colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023, "the journey of a hero."

The actress finished, "I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it. To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion."

Katie Holmes and James Van Der Beek on 'Dawson's Creek'. Everett Collection

Kimberly announced announced her husband's death Wednesday morning, in a statement posted to social media.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she wrote. "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."

She also shared a link to a GoFundMe page asking for donations to help support her and Van Der Beek's children, as she said the family is "out of funds" after years of medical care for the actor.

'Dawson's Creek' stars James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes celebrate the show's 100th episode.

Jim Spellman/WireImage

Other stars who've paid tribute to Van Der Beek after his death include Reese Witherspoon, Alfonso Ribeiro (the godfather to one of Van Der Beek's daughters), and the star's *Dawson's Creek* mom, actress Mary-Margaret Humes.

"Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception," Humes said after her onscreen son's death.**

Read Holmes' tribute to Van Der Beek in the social media post above.

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