James Van Der Beek's Ex-Wife Heather McComb Speaks Out After His Death

Kevin Williamson

Katie Holmes

"James, thank you," Katie, who costarred with James on Dawson’s Creek, wrote in a handwritten note shared to Instagram Feb. 12. "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—adventures of a unique youth."

"An appreciation for life with the integrity that life is art—creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children," she added, "the journey of a hero. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it."

Heather McComb

James' ex-wife, to whom he was married from 2003 to 2009, penned a loving tribute in his memory.

"James was a beautiful soul filled with so much light, love, talent, humor, depth, sensitivity, knowledge and a deep love of God that shined through him," she wrote on Instagram. "He shined so bright yet was so humble and human. Always searching, always growing, always going deeper, always chasing things outside his comfort zone."

She continued, "I know that James loved being a father so much and oh how he loved Kimberly with his everything. True soulmates. How she showed up for him with such grace is so beautiful and something I will forever admire."

Mary Margaret-Humes

"Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception," Mary, who starred as James' mother on Dawson's Creek wrote on Instagram. "James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity. I will always love and admire you for that.  

"Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping," she shared. "To our extended Dawson’s Creek family of friends … please be respectful of our silences at the moment as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy for now."

Krysten Ritter

Erin Fetherston

"Brother James, You were loved by the whole world, but to us — you were Uncle James," the fashion designer posted to Instagram. "Thank you for your friendship. For always showing up. For being the one who would go the extra mile. When our dog died in the middle of the night, you were the one who came over with a shovel. When our babies were born, you and @vanderkimberly were the very first visitors — you didn’t just celebrate our milestones, you were part of them."

"What an honor it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend," she continued. "The space you leave behind can never be filled, but we will do our best to shower your beautiful family with love and remember to keep dancing in your honor — because you always knew the importance of joy. We love you. Always."

Kerr Smith

Busy Philipps 

"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," Busy, who worked with James on Dawson's Creek, wrote in a post. "But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children."

She added, "James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and I loved him and i’m so grateful for our friendship all these years."

Ashton Kutcher 

Benito "Benny Drama" Skinner

Jenna Johnson

Claire Coffee 

"I worked with James so many years ago and he remains one of the kindest, wisest, most generous scene partners I’ve ever had," the Franklin & Bash alum wrote. "What a beautiful legacy he leaves. Sending so much love."

Lin Manuel Miranda 

Stacy Kiebler

"You showed me what it looks like to trust God’s plan, even when it breaks your heart," she wrote on Instagram. "Especially when it breaks your heart."

She continued, "The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here. And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky…as if to remind us that none of this is random."

As she put it, "You are a gift."

Danica McKellar

Kate Walsh

Jennifer Garner

Christie Brinkley

Nikki Reed

"You beautiful soul," she began. "Anyone who had the privilege of knowing you is forever changed by you. Your depth, your presence, your unparalleled love for your family. The connection you and Kimberly have that transcends lifetimes. You still hold the prize for wisest person I’ve ever known. Every piece of advice, every nugget of life experience you shared was a treasure I’ll hold close forever."

She continued, "And don’t even get me started on the gift you had with words. When you picked up your pen, you made all of us remember what tenderness feels like on a page. Oh James, you are so so so deeply loved. And so so deeply missed. My heart aches and I’m sure the ripples of those aches will be felt forever."

"And Kimberly," the Twilight alum added, "we are all wrapping you and those sweet babies in love. My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I’ve ever known. Here for you in every way, forever."

Melissa Joan Hart

"I'm heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away," she wrote in an Instagram post. "He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on screen kiss when he guest starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll."

She continued, "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 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 6 kids, his wife and family!"

Emma Slater

Olivia Munn

Katharine McPhee Foster

Paul Walter Hauser

Daniella Karagach

Jenna Dewan

Chad Michael Murray

Erin Foster

Rumer Willis

"My dear wonderful friends I love you all, I am keeping you all in my heart," she wrote in the comments of the psot announcing James' passing. "Im 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."

She added, "Sending all the love and light to you all."

Alfonso Ribeiro