{"id":2278003,"date":"2026-02-11T21:36:18","date_gmt":"2026-02-11T21:36:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2278003"},"modified":"2026-02-11T21:36:18","modified_gmt":"2026-02-11T21:36:18","slug":"read-jennifer-garner-sarah-michelle-gellar-and-more-stars-tributes-to-james-van-der-beek","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/read-jennifer-garner-sarah-michelle-gellar-and-more-stars-tributes-to-james-van-der-beek\/","title":{"rendered":"Read Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and More Stars’ Tributes to James Van Der Beek"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Dawson Creek<\/em>\u2019s James Van Der Beek passed away this morning at age 48 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer<\/a> in 2023. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared the news on Instagram, writing:<\/p>\n

Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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Van Der Beek\u2019s co-stars and friends quickly shared tributes to the star and their sympathies to his family, reflecting on the actor\u2019s life and legacy. Read their messages below:<\/p>\n

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Melissa Joan Hart<\/h2>\n

\u201cI’m heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames<\/a> has passed away! He was truly a nice guy, a great father, a wonderful actor, and will always be my first on-screen kiss when he guest starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll<\/a>. Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight. We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily<\/a> about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does. My thoughts and prayers go out to his six kids, his wife, and family!\u201d<\/p>\n

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Sarah Michelle Gellar<\/h2>\n

She shared two tributes. On Van Der Beek\u2019s Instagram post announcing the news, she commented, \u201cI\u2019m so sad for your beautiful family. While James\u2019s legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. Fuck Cancer.\u201d<\/p>\n

She also posted an Instagram Story, writing, \u201cI grew up alongside @vanderjames. He was one of the good guys. This is a true loss.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Chad Michael Murray<\/h2>\n

\u201cSending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant,\u201d he commented on the family\u2019s announcement post. \u201cWe\u2019re so so so sorry for what you\u2019re going through. His words, art, and humanity inspired all of us\u2014he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys\ud83d\ude4f\u201d<\/p>\n

Jennifer Garner<\/h2>\n

\u201cWhat a heartbreaking loss,\u201d she commented. \u201cSo much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time. \u2665\ufe0f\u201d<\/p>\n

Jenna Dewan<\/h2>\n

\u201cI will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul,\u201d she wrote on the family\u2019s post. \u201cMy love and prayers with Kim and the entire family\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb\u201d<\/p>\n

Kate Walsh<\/h2>\n

\u201cI will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul,\u201d she commented. \u201cMy love and prayers with Kim and the entire family\u2764\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4f\ud83c\udffb\u201d<\/p>\n

Rumer Willis<\/h2>\n

Willis commented on the family\u2019s post, writing, \u201cMy dear wonderful friends I love you all, I am keeping you all in my heart. I\u2019m so lucky to have had you in my life for so long. James set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother (to me) I am so grateful to have witnessed your love and respect and care for each other. Sending all the love and light to you all.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n