‘One In A Billion’: Tributes Paid To James Van der Beek

 

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American actor James Van der Beek has sadly passed away at the age of 48 from bowel cancer. He was best known for his starring role as heartthrob Dawson Leery in the series Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003. 

In an Instagram post, James’s family announced his passing, with the caption: “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.”

The actor married his wife Kimberley in 2010, and together they had six children; Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

 

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Katie Holmes, who also played a leading role in the American teen series, shared a handwritten letter addressed to James on Instagram with the caption: “I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberley, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”

Kerr Smith, another Dawson’s Creek co-star, referred to Van Der Beek as a ‘brother’, and said, “I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”

In September, a Dawson’s Creek reunion was organised to support James and to fundraise for the charity F Cancer. The attendees included his co-stars Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson. James was supposed to attend the event as well, but had to miss it due to stomach viruses. 

Co-star Busy Philipps described James as “one in a billion” and shared her condolences for his young family. 

“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberley and their six magical children.”

”He was my friend and I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”

After the announcement of his passing, loads of other celebrities have expressed their grief and condolences for his family, including Hayley Kiyoko, actress Olivia Mann and TV host Adam Richman.