Katie Holmes penned a heartfelt tribute to her “Dawson’s Creek” co-star James Van Der Beek following the news of his death at the age of 48.
Holmes — who broke out on the teen drama as Joey Potter, the love interest of Van Der Beek’s Dawson Leery — posted on Instagram late Wednesday night to share a handwritten note to him. He died on Wednesday after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and is survived by his wife, Kimberly Brook, and their six children.
“I formed some words with a heavy heart,” Holmes wrote in the caption of her post. “This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
Holmes and Van Der Beek starred together on “Dawson’s Creek” from 1998 to 2003. In the handwritten letter, Holmes thanked Van Der Beek for all the memories they made together. “To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others’ hearts are safe in their expression,” she wrote.
“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 a deep gratitude for his imprint on it. To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”