Katie Holmes praises James Van Der Beek: ‘The Hero’s Journey’ | American television

Katie Holmes has shared a handwritten letter to her late Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek.

The actor, who played Joey on the era-defining teen drama series, posted an Instagram tribute addressed to Van Der Beek, who died this week at the age of 48.

“I composed some words with a heavy heart,” she wrote alongside them. “This is a big thing to process. I am so grateful to be able to share a part of James’ journey. He is loved. Kimberly, we love you and will always be here for you and your beautiful children.”

Holmes wrote in the letter: “Thank you. Sharing space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in a land of imagination and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expressions…”

Holmes went on to praise his “courage. Compassion. Selfishness. Strength. Appreciation of life and the action taken to live life with integrity. That life is an art – creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children – a hero’s journey.”

The duo starred in the Kevin Williamson-created series for six seasons from 1998 to 2003.

Van der Beek shared that he was diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2024, and in 2025 announced that he was selling memorabilia to fund treatment. A statement from his family said that he “spent his final days with courage, faith and grace.”

Holmes added: “I mourn this loss with a heart that bears the truth of his absence and deep gratitude for his mark on it.”

Williamson also shared his thoughts on Instagram yesterday. “I have tried several times today, from my heart, to form words to express the beautiful brilliance of James and what his presence means to my life,” he wrote. “But I really can’t find the words. I have to trust that someday those words will come.”

Mary Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother, paid tribute to Van Der Beek on social media, writing: “She fought a tough battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity.” Busy Philipps, who played Audrey on the show, also wrote: “James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and will be missed forever and I don’t know what else to say. I’m so sad.”

Last year, Van Der Beek was forced to pull out of a Dawson’s Creek onstage reunion in New York. The event was intended to raise money for cancer charities and Van Der Beek himself. “I can’t believe I can’t hug my teammates,” he said in a video shared that night. “I wanted to stand on this stage and thank every single person on this stage for being here tonight.”

Since Van Der Beek’s death, his family has raised more than $1.3 million on GoFundMe to cover “basic living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”