Katie Holmes leads tributes to ‘beloved’ Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek
Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, aged 48, after suffering from bowel cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and six children.
Katie Holmes has said the death of her "beloved" Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek is "a lot to process" as she wrote a heartbreaking letter to the star.
Listen to this article
In an Instagram statement, the actress remembered Van Der Beek for his "bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength," and for the "adventures of a unique youth".
In a handwritten letter to him posted on her Instagram, the actress, who starred opposite Van Der Beek in the popular US teen drama, wrote of his: "Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength," as well as his "appreciation for life".
Van Der Beek died on Wednesday, aged 48, after suffering from bowel cancer.
He rose to fame playing Dawson Leery in Dawson's Creek, which ran for six seasons from 1998 until 2003. Homes and Van Der Beek were one of the show's central relationships: Dawson and Joey.
Thanking Van Der Beek, Holmes wrote: "To share 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".
"These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth..."
"I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it."
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.
Addressing them, Holmes said, "To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion."
She captioned the post: "I formed some words with a heavy heart.
"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."
Van Der Beek's celebrity friends, including Zoe Saldana and Jon M. Chu, are among those who have donated to help his family with medical expenses.
The GoFundMe fundraiser raised more than one million dollars in the first 24 hours, and Guardians Of The Galaxy star Saldana has pledged 2500 dollars a month.
The GoFundMe campaign, written on behalf of Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly, says the actor's family faced "not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain" during his illness.
It says: "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.
Van Der Beek's death comes just months after the show's cast reunited to help raise money for his cancer treatment.
The night was attended by his former co-stars, including Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams. Van Der Beek had planned to be there, but was too unwell due to two stomach viruses.
His family announced his death on Wednesday, saying he faced his final days "with courage, faith and grace".
The family statement released by his wife said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning".
"He met his final days with courage, faith and grace".