health
February 12, 2026
James Van Der Beek's "Dawson's Creek" Co-Stars React to His Death
Updated on: February 12, 2026 / 9:54 AM EST / CBS News
TL;DR
- James Van Der Beek passed away at the age of 48.
- Co-stars Katie Holmes, Busy Philipps, Chad Michael Murray, and Mary Margaret Humes have shared tributes.
- Holmes called Van Der Beek a "hero" and pledged support to his wife.
- Philipps expressed deep sadness and called him "one in a billion."
- Murray stated that Van Der Beek "inspired all of us."
- Humes remembered him as a "gracious warrior" who "fought a hard battle."
- A GoFundMe has been established by the Van Der Beek family to cover medical costs and has raised over $1.3 million.
- Van Der Beek announced his diagnosis with colorectal cancer in November 2024.
- Colorectal cancer rates are rising in Americans under 50.
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