James Van Der Beek has died, aged 48, after a battle with cancer, and his pals and former co-stars have been paying tribute to the TV star

Tributes have poured in for James Van Der Beek

View 3 Images

Tributes have poured in for James Van Der Beek(Image: Getty Images)

Sarah Michelle Gellar believes James Van Der Beek’s legacy “will always live on” as she paid an emotional tribute to the star. The actor – who became a household name playing Dawson Leery in the beloved TV series Dawson’s Creek – has died, aged 48, following his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in August 2023, and Sarah has shared a touching tribute to the television star.

The 48-year-old actress posted 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 offered praise for James, expressing his condolences to the TV star’s loved ones. He posted: “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.”

James Van Der Beek has died aged 48

View 3 Images

James Van Der Beek has died aged 48(Image: BANG Showbiz)

Meanwhile, Emma Slater – who partnered with James as his professional dancer on Dancing With the Stars in 2019 – has admitted feeling “devastated” by his death. The dancer shared: “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.”

Other stars to pay tribute include DWTS star Derek Hough. He re-shared a video of James talking about his life and diagnosis. He captioned the upload: “My heart is heavy hearing about James’ passing. I immediately thought of this video he shared , it moved me to tears the first time I saw it, and it moves me even more now.

“I wanted to honor his memory by sharing. What a wise, thoughtful, loving man. Thank you, James, for your courage, your strength, and for sharing your light even in your darkest moments. Praying for his wife, his beautiful children, and his family. Thank you James.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar

View 3 Images

Sarah Michelle Gellar was among the stars paying tribute(Image: Getty Images)

James received his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023, with his death confirmed by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek. Accompanied by a picture of her spouse, Kimberly penned 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.”

A crowdfunding page has now been set up amid the family’s “significant financial strain”. On the page, a description post reads: “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.”