Demi Moore Honors Late Friend James Van Der Beek

Demi Moore is the latest star to take to social media to express her sadness over the loss of Hollywood actor James Van Der Beek who passed on Wednesday at the age of 48.

The Landman actress posted two throwback images with the Dawson's Creek veteran to her Insta Stories on Thursday.

Over the images, Moore shared a heartfelt note.

'James was a cherished friend to our family,' the Oscar nominee began.

'The world has lost an extraordinary actor, but more importantly, a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend. Our hearts are truly broken.' She added a red bandaged heart emoji.

Van Der Beek's former Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 co-stars Krysten Ritter and Dreama Walker also honored the late actor.

Demi Moore expressed her sadness over the loss of Hollywood actor James Van Der Beek who passed on Wednesday at the age of 48. The Landman actress posted two throwback images with the Dawson's Creek veteran to her Insta Stories on Thursday

Moore at the 97th Annual Oscars at Dolby Theatre in 2025 in Hollywood

'Really hard news today,' Ritter wrote on her Insta Stories. 'Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathic, kind, talented and just pure magic.

'I'm so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken,' she continued. 'All my love goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their children. Love you so much James and fake James.'

The actress also shared several throwback photos of herself and the late actor..

Walker added on her Insta Stories, 'My heart hurts so much today' over a video of Van Der Beek talking about his own mortality.

Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 ran for two seasons from 2012 to 2014.

Melissa Joan Hart said, 'I'm heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away! 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. 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!

Her friend Danica McKellar added, 'A beautiful soul and tragic loss!'

Van Der Beek's former Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 co-stars Krysten Ritter took to social media to honor the late actor

Emma Slater - who served as James' professional partner on Dancing With the Stars in 2019 - has confessed to feeling 'devastated' by his passing.

The dancer wrote: 'I'm so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.'

Katie Holmes posted a tribute to Van Der Beek on Thursday morning.

Holmes played Joey Potter on the beloved teen series, whose on/off love affair with James's character Dawson formed the central story arc of the show's five-year run.

She posted a handwritten note to her Instagram page.

'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,' the actress wrote before vowing to take care of her friend's widow and his six children, who are struggling financially during his cancer treatment.

'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...' Katie wrote in her note.

Katie Holmes has shared an emotional tribute to her Dawson's Creek co-star Van Der Beek

She paid tribute to the pair's shared 'adventures of a unique youth' in a poignant handwritten note shared to her Instagram page on Thursday morning

Sharing memories of her time with James on the set of Dawson's Creek, she continued: 'These are some of the memories along with Laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth...'

'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 added.

'To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with Love and compassion.'

Sarah Michelle Gellar believes Van Der Beek's legacy 'will always live on' as she shared a sweet tribute.

The 48-year-old actress wrote on Instagram: 'I'm so sad for your beautiful family. While James' legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer. (sic)'

Chad Michael Murray has also heaped praise on James, and has expressed sympathy for the TV star's family.

Seen in the 1990s when she was on Sabrina The Teenage Witch

He wrote: 'Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We're so so so sorry for what you're going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.'

Alfonso Ribeiro from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wrote: 'I'm so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend brother and life guide.

'I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children.'

James was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer back in 2023, and his passing was announced by Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife.

Alongside a photo of her husband, Kimberly wrote on Instagram: '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.'

Van Der Beek's widow's friends has launched a GoFundMe.

Sarah Michelle Gellar believes Van Der Beek's legacy 'will always live on' as she shared a sweet tribute. The 48-year-old actress wrote on Instagram: 'I'm so sad for your beautiful family. While James' legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer. (sic)' Seen on January 20 in LA

Alfonso Ribeiro, far right, from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air wrote: 'I'm so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend brother and life guide'

The GoFundMe page read: 'James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children.

'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.

'In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.

'Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children's education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.'