Dawsons Creek Cast Honors James Van Der Beek

Other celebrities that paid tribute included Jennifer Garner who penned on the post shared by his loved ones: 'What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time. ♥️.'

Teen Wolf alum Tyler Posey said, 'Love you brother.'

Jenna Dewan commented, 'I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family.'

Singer Katharine McPhee and wife of David Foster wrote, 'This is just beyond devastating news. I'm so so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.'

Modern Family alum Eric Stonestreet said, 'James had a kind, generous, thoughtful, and beautiful soul. There is no doubt those traits will live on through his wife and gorgeous children. Rest In Peace, man.' 

On Wednesday, Van Der Beek's loved ones confirmed the actor's death on social media.

The post 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 his wife Kimberly as well as their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven and Jeremiah, four.

A GoFundMe page has also been created with the goal of raising funds to support the late actor's family.

In a description, his family confirmed that Van Der Beek passed away on February 11 after 'a long and courageous battle with cancer.'

It was also shared that, 'Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care...'

Van Der Beek revealed his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.

He shared the news to People in a statement and expressed at the time, 'I have colorectal cancer.

'I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family. There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good.'

He later took to Instagram to reveal that he was forced to go public with his cancer diagnosis before telling his family.

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 starred in other projects throughout his career in Hollywood including Varsity Blues (1999), The Rules Of Attraction (2002) and How I Met Your Mother.