On the red carpet for AppleTV+ series “The Last Thing He Told Me” Thursday evening, Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Garner both had memories of James Van Der Beek to share.
Van Der Beek, who died Wednesday at 48, had one of his final roles in the “Legally Blonde” prequel series “Elle,” which Witherspoon is executive producing. It premieres July 1 on Amazon Prime.
Variety‘s Marc Malkin asked Witherspoon on the carpet about working with the late “Dawson’s Creek” actor. “It was so fun because, you know, growing up in this business, we always knew James,” Witherspoon said. “He was always around. We went to parties together. It’s just a devastating loss.”
Witherspoon continued, “He’s been so loved in our community. He was always such a generous person and a man of very high character and high values. He brought that to everyday work on the set with our young cast. They just adored him.”
She wrote on Instagram Wednesday that she was “devastated” and continued, “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”
Garner told Malkin, “We grew up together. We celebrated their success, and James always brought his whole family into every room with him, and I just send all of my love to Kimberly and to their beautiful children.”
After Van Der Beek’s death, Garner wrote “What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time.”
Garner stars in and executive produces “The Last Thing He Told Me,” which premieres its second season Feb. 20. Witherspoon executive produced the series through her Hello Sunshine shingle.