Katie Holmes is opening up about the tragedy that recently rocked Hollywood. Following James Van Der Beek’s passing, the “Dawson’s Creek” actress shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, looking back on the fond memories she shared with her late co-star. 

Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, following a three-year battle with colorectal cancer. 

Holmes took to Instagram to bare her emotions following the passing of her “Dawson’s Creek” co-star. In her lengthy write-up, she admitted that while his death was “a lot to process,” she remained grateful to have experienced him in her life. 

The 47-year-old actress noted that Van Der Beek was loved both in his lifetime and in his death, and she sent her heartfelt wishes to the deceased actor’s wife and six children. She then thanked him for being a positive inspiration to people while he was alive. 

“James, thank you. To share a 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,” she wrote. 

She showered him with more praises, noting that he had “an appreciation for life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage and six loving children — the journey of a hero.” 

The “Logan Lucky” actress concluded the tribute by sending some more love to Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly.

Holmes’ tribute came shortly after The Blast confirmed that Van Der Beek had passed on following a colorectal cancer battle. 

The late actor was initially diagnosed with the disease in 2023 but didn’t share the devastating news until August 2024. A joint post shared on the actor’s and his wife’s page confirmed his death. 

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” it read. 

Many A-listers paid tribute to the late actor, including Kevin Parry and Jamie-Lynn Sigler.  Parry called Van Der Beek a “great man” and Sigler noted that everyone was “lucky” to have “been a part of his tribe.” 

Just as Parry, Sigler, and other A-listers showed love for Van Der Beek during his passing, the actor also received support from his circle of friends before succumbing to his battle.

His colleague, Paul Walter Hauser, raised a campaign for him in an attempt to gather resources for Van der Beek’s cancer treatment, who had sold some of his things to be able to afford the treatment. 

According to The Blast, Hauser shared a post online urging fans to publicize his campaign, as he aimed to raise “20K by March 1st through recorded Cameo videos.”

He also revealed his plans to auction off some of his celebrity friends’ items as another way of raising funds for Van Der Beek. Unfortunately, Hauser’s campaign couldn’t save the actor.

Following Van der Beek’s passing, fans began to criticize Sony Pictures, the entertainment company behind “Dawson’s Creek,” for seemingly not helping out with the treatment, which strained the late actor financially. 

A journalist slammed the company, saying, “There was absolutely no reason Sony Pictures (which owns Dawson’s Creek) couldn’t have quietly paid for his treatment, considering how much the show has made for them over the years, long after it ended,” per The Blast.

Others criticized the company for not helping the actor during “his time of need.” They also noted that it was “disgusting” that he had to sell his “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia to pay for his cancer treatment.