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James Van Der Beek had been working on a number of projects including a memoir before his tragic death at age 48.
The late star's death was confirmed by his loved ones on Wednesday following his battle with stage three colorectal cancer.
A number of celebrities have since broken silence and paid tribute to the actor as well as some of his fellow Dawson's Creek co-stars including Katie Holmes, Busy Philipps and Chad Michael Murray.
Van Der Beek was reportedly writing a memoir between filming a Legally Blonde prequel and also spending time with family, sources told Deadline.
However, it is not currently known if he had gotten far in the book or if there are plans to possibly publish the memoir posthumously.
Despite his health battle, the star had continued to follow his passion for acting by taking on roles in both movie and television projects.
James Van Der Beek had been working on a number of projects including a memoir before his tragic death at age 48; seen in 2020
Van Der Beek is set to appear in the upcoming thriller The Gates which will release in select theaters beginning on March 13 (seen above)
Van Der Beek is set to appear in the upcoming thriller The Gates which will release in select theaters beginning on March 13.
The film additionally stars Mason Gooding, Algee Smith, Keith Powers, Jack Snyder and Sofia Hublitz.
The premise is: 'Three friends' road trip turns terrifying when they witness a murder in a gated community. Trapped inside, hunted by residents who blame them, their bond fractures as a charismatic yet sinister patriarch closes in,' per IMDB.
John Burr - the director of the film - issued a statement to Deadline as he reflected on having the opportunity to work with Van Der Beek.
'Before all else, I want to send sympathy and love to James' family; his wife, Kimberly, and his children, Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua, and Jeremiah. Thank you for granting us the precious time with him that we had,' he began.
Burr also expressed that both the cast and crew had been 'fortunate' to collaborate with the late star.
'He brought experience and perspective to the role, and he built profound relationships with his fellow cast members and with the crew.'
The filmmaker further opened up about Van Der Beek's performance and how the character vastly differed from the actor's personality in between takes.
However, it is not currently known if he had gotten far in the book or if there are plans to possibly publish the memoir posthumously; seen in 2020
'He brought experience and perspective to the role, and he built profound relationships with his fellow cast members and with the crew,' Burr continued of Van Der Beek
'And while he was deeply dedicated to his performance as the flawed, amoral antagonist of our story, between scenes he effortlessly morphed back into the grounded, charming conversationalist he was at his core.'
Burr later talked about message exchanges he had with Van Der Beek in recent months, saying the actor's 'words were filled with energy and punctuated with exclamation points even as his health must have been in decline.'
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek's family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media.
It read, '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.'
He is survived by wife Kimberly as well as their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.
Van Der Beek had announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
A source previously told the Daily Mail that he 'had not been in treatment for a while because there was nothing more the doctors could do, the cancer was aggressive.'
On Wednesday, Van Der Beek's family confirmed his death at age 48 with a post on social media
He is survived by wife Kimberly as well as their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four
A GoFundMe page was set up to support his family and has notably raised over $1 million in donations just hours after the news of his passing came to light.
Kimberly had written on her Instagram stories: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.'
Before his passing, Van Der Beek had also filmed the Legally Blonde prequel titled Elle in a supporting role.
Lexi Minetree is portraying the character of Elle Woods, who was previously played by Reese Witherspoon in the Legally Blonde movie franchise. Witherspoon is also a producer on the project.
The late actor had taken on the role of Dean Wilson - a mayoral candidate and school district superintendent. Van Der Beek had filmed his scenes last year in May 2025.
The Amazon Prime Video series is set to release on the streaming site on July 1, 2026.
The late star's most recent Instagram post had been shared on January 25 as he celebrated both his daughter and father's birthdays.
Before his passing, Van Der Beek had also filmed the Legally Blonde prequel titled Elle in a supporting role
The late star's most recent Instagram post had been shared on January 25 as he celebrated both his daughter and father's birthdays
Van Der Beek was also known for portraying the character of Dawson Leery on the hit series Dawson's Creek for six seasons from 1998-2003.
He had worked alongside Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Busy Philipps, Chad Michael Murray and Michelle Williams.
Van Der Beek starred in other projects throughout his career in Hollywood including Varsity Blues (1999), The Rules Of Attraction (2002) and How I Met Your Mother.
Fans and celebrities mourned his loss on social media on Wednesday and also sent condolences to his loved ones.
Some of his Dawson's Creek castmates paid tribute to the late star including Holmes who shared an emotional letter to Instagram.
She admitted that his death is 'a lot to process' before sending love to Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly and their six children.
'James. Thank you. To share 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...,' Holmes had penned in a handwritten note.
Van Der Beek was also known for portraying the character of Dawson Leery on the hit series Dawson's Creek for six seasons from 1998-2003
Holmes admitted that his death is 'a lot to process' before sending love to Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly and their six children
The actress further reflected on memories they had shared while working on Dawson's Creek together.
Holmes continued, 'Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art - creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children - 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.'
She concluded with, 'To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with Love and compassion.'
English (US) ·