Katie Holmes is mourning the loss of her old friend. James Van Der Beek died yesterday, at the age of 48, following a battle with colorectal cancer. It’s a loss that has deeply affected the entertainment world and his co-stars, including Holmes herself, who worked with Van Der Beek on the most impactful project of their lives: “Dawson’s Creek.”
Holmes shared a handwritten note on her Instagram, opening up about her grief and about Van Der Beek himself. “James, thank you. To share a space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression…These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs – adventure of a unique youth…,” she wrote.
“Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. 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 – the journey of a Hero.”
She concluded the letter by addressing Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and their kids: Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua, and Jeremiah.
“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.” You can check out the letter in full below.
Holmes and Van Der Beek played best friends and lovers in “Dawson’s Creek,” becoming one of the main pairings of the TV show. Van Der Beek starred as the titular Dawson for six seasons, playing an aspiring filmmaker as he dealt with love and growing up in a small town. It co-starred Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Busy Phillips, and more.
“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,” wrote Busy Phillips in a tribute.
© GettyVan Der Beek’s family
Phillips also provided a link to a GoFundMe page to her followers, supporting Van Der Beek’s surviving family. “They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability,” reads the fundraiser.
“Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education,” continues the page. Since its publication, the GoFundMe has amassed $1.5 million, with donations from figures like Zoe Saldana.
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