Demi Moore is latest star to share heartbreaking tribute to ‘loving’ friend James Van Der Beek as he dies at 48

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Demi Moore recently shared her grief on social media following the death of actor James Van Der Beek, who died on Wednesday at age 48.

On Thursday, the actress from Landman shared a pair of older photos with the star of Dawson’s Creek on her Instagram Stories.

Over the images, Moore shared a heartfelt note.

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

We’ve lost a truly remarkable actor, but even more than that, a wonderful husband, father, and friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing. ❤️

Krysten Ritter and Dreama Walker, who worked with Van Der Beek on the show Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23, also paid tribute to the actor after his passing.

Ritter shared some heartbreaking news today, describing the person as a truly wonderful individual – kind, funny, intelligent, and incredibly talented. She said they were simply magical, both inside and out.

She shared that she was incredibly thankful for their friendship but deeply saddened by the news. She sent all her love and support to James’s wife, Kimberly, and their children, expressing her deep affection for James and a playful nod to someone who resembled him.

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

Walker shared a video of Van Der Beek discussing his thoughts on life and death, adding a message to her Instagram Stories saying she was feeling heartbroken.

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

Melissa Joan Hart shared her sadness over the passing of James Avery, describing him as a kind person, a loving father, and a talented actor. She fondly remembered him as her first on-screen kiss during his guest appearance on ‘Clarissa Explains It All,’ and acknowledged his courageous battle, noting he died too young.

I met him around two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he was performing a duet with his daughter – he was such a supportive father! I’m sending my deepest condolences to his six children, wife, and the whole family.

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

Emma Slater, James’ dance partner on Dancing With the Stars in 2019, has shared that she was deeply saddened by his death.

The dancer shared a heartbreaking message, saying she was devastated by the loss of James, whom she considered family. She expressed her deep love and admiration for him, saying he should be proud of the person he was, and she was thankful she had the chance to say goodbye.

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

Katie Holmes starred as Joey Potter in the popular teen drama. Her character’s complicated relationship with Dawson, played by James Van Der Beek, was a main focus throughout the show’s five seasons.

She posted a handwritten note to her Instagram page.

With deep sadness, the actress shared her feelings about the loss of her friend, James. She expressed her gratitude for having known him and acknowledged how much he was loved. She also pledged to support his wife and their six children, who are facing financial hardship as he battles cancer.

Katie wrote in her note, ‘James, thank you. It feels special to share a creative space with you – like we’re both safe to express ourselves and explore our imaginations together.’

She fondly remembered her time working with James on Dawson’s Creek, recalling moments filled with laughter, deep conversations, and a shared love of James Taylor’s music – experiences that defined a special time in their lives.

Courage, kindness, putting others first, and inner strength – these qualities, combined with a deep love of life, define a truly meaningful existence. It’s about living with honesty and purpose, building something beautiful – like a strong family and raising children with love – and embracing the challenges along the way, just as a hero would.

She said she was deeply saddened by his passing, feeling both the pain of his absence and immense thankfulness for the impact he had on her life.

Kimberly and kids, we’ll always be here for you, offering our love and support.

Sarah Michelle Gellar posted a heartfelt message, saying she believes James Van Der Beek’s impact will be remembered forever.

The 48-year-old actress shared her condolences on Instagram, expressing deep sadness for the family. She acknowledged the significant loss of James and stated his positive impact would be remembered, while also condemning cancer. She used a strong expletive to express her feelings about the disease.

Chad Michael Murray has also spoken highly of James and offered his condolences to the actor’s family.

He shared his deepest sympathies, sending love and support to the family. He described James as an extraordinary person and expressed how deeply saddened they all were by the loss. James’s kindness, creativity, and spirit had a profound impact, encouraging everyone around him to strive to be their best. He finished with a blessing for the family.

Alfonso Ribeiro, best known for his role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, shared his grief over the loss of his friend, James VanderBeek. He described VanderBeek as a true friend, brother, and mentor.

Being there for James during his cancer battle was an incredibly emotional experience, a real rollercoaster for everyone who loved him. We all shared in those hopeful highs and devastating lows. James, along with his wife Kimberly, profoundly impacted my life and my family’s, and I’m forever grateful for everything they’ve given us. He’ll always hold a special place in my heart, and I’m committed to supporting his children through everything life brings.

I was so incredibly saddened to hear about James. He was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared the news of his passing. It’s a truly heartbreaking loss.

Kimberly shared the news on Instagram, along with a photo of her husband, that James David Van Der Beek had passed away peacefully this morning. She wrote that he faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace, and that they will share more about his wishes and values later. For now, the family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss of their loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

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

James Van Der Beek, a loving husband, father, and friend, sadly passed away on February 11, 2026, after a brave fight with cancer. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

During James’s illness, his family struggled with both the emotional toll and the heavy financial burden of providing him with the best possible care.

After James’s passing, Kimberly and their children are facing a very uncertain future. The medical bills and long battle with cancer have left them with no savings. They’re doing everything they can to keep their home and provide for the children’s education and well-being during this incredibly difficult time. Support from friends, family, and the community would be a huge help as they move forward.

Honestly, just thinking about helping Kimberly and her kids means the world to me. Any little bit we can give will directly help them with everyday things – you know, keeping the lights on, paying those scary bills, and most importantly, making sure the kids can stay in school and have a future. It’s like, we can actually give them some hope and a fresh start, and I’m so grateful for anyone who even considers donating. It would truly change everything for them.

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2026-02-12 23:09