James Van Der Beek‘s last role will be one to remember.
Speaking at the premiere of the Prime TV show, Elle, on Tuesday, which will officially be out on July 1, the show’s co-runner, Caroline Dries, fondly remembered working with the late actor in footage shared by The Wrap. “James told me that acting allowed him to be someone and forget the pain he was in, but even off camera, James appeared to be buoyant and happy,” she said of the actor who died of cancer in February. “He brought his daughters to set. He sat with us on plastic folding chairs in video village, he made us laugh. He told us stories, and he showed us nothing but kindness and gratitude toward the crew.”
The Dawson’s Creek icon played mayoral hopeful Dean Wilson in the series, which also stars Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods, and June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott as her parents.
“This would be James’ last role,” Dries continued. “Our cast gave him the space to feel that joy. Our cast is very special.”
Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly, whom he shared six children with, also reposted Dries kind words to her Instagram stories on Thursday and shared that “Emilia and Annabel had the pleasure of separately being on set with him. They treated the kiddos beautifully and he was so proud of this role…especially because his daughters were so looking forward to watching it”
Related: James Van Der Beek’s Wife Kimberly Celebrates First Father’s Day After His Death
The heartfelt speech from Dries comes days after Kimberly also shared a tribute to him this past Sunday on Father’s Day. “Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today,” she wrote. “And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You’re a marvel.”The show, which is executive produced by Reese Witherspoon, who originated the iconic character of Elle Woods in 2001, was one of the many celebrities to share a heartfelt to tribute to Van Der Beek after his death.
“Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek,” she wrote on social media. “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
This story was originally published by Parade on Jun 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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