Hollywood is in mourning after James Van Der Beek's death at age 48. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," a statement shared via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, read. "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." Van Der Beek's death comes after a years-long battle with cancer. The Dawson's Creek star announced in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in August 2023. "I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," the actor told People in a statement at the time. "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good." James Van Der Beek, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Rumer Willis. Getty Images (3) The Dawson's Creek cast rallied around Van Der Beek throughout his illness, even hosting a reunion in September 2025 to raise money for the actor and the nonprofit F Cancer. Van Der Beek, however, missed the New York City-based event due two stomach bugs. "Despite every effort... I won't get to be there," he wrote via Instagram at the time. "I won't get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most." Keep scrolling to see which stars have spoken out in the wake of Van Der Beek's death: 'Dawson's Creek' Cast: Where Are They Now? Sarah Michelle Gellar "I'm so sad for your beautiful family," the actress wrote. "While James legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer." Rumer Willis Willis wrote that she is keeping the Van Der Beek family "in my heart" following the actor's death. "I'm so lucky to have had you in my life for so long. James set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother (to me)," she continued. "I am so grateful to have witnessed your love and respect and care for each other. Sending all the love and light to you all." Paul Walter Hauser "Love you, James. I know you're in Heaven being pampered with love," the actor, who has been partnering with Cameo to raise funds for Van Der Beek and his wife, wrote via Instagram. "The Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we'll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family. Thanks for the body of work and for being one of the good guys." Jamie-Lynn Sigler "We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe," the Sopranos alum wrote in an Instagram comment. "Fly high James. You were everything good in this world." Chad Michael Murray "Sending love and light to your beautiful family," the actor commented. "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." Revisit Late James Van Der Beek's Cancer Battle in His Own Words Jenna Johnson Van Der Beek competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2019. The professional dancer shared a sweet message following the news of his death. "An incredible father, husband, artist, and so much more," she wrote. "Sending your family all the love and comfort." Emma Slater Van Der Beek's DWTS partner left a sweet comment after his death news. "I'm so devastated. He is and will always be family to me," she wrote. "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." Hayley Kiyoko "Omg I am so incredibly sorry for you and your family," the singer wrote in an Instagram comment. "He always led with kindness and love. His light will carry on." Hilaria Baldwin "Sending so much love," she wrote. "I'm so sorry." Mehcad Brooks The actor shared a sweet tribute on social media. "Being there with you these past days has been the greatest honor of my life," he wrote. "Until we meet again my beautiful brother." Tyler Posey The actor commented, "Love you brother," on the Instagram statement announcing his death. Jenna Dewan "I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family," she wrote, referring to the actor's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek. Danica McKellar The Wonder Years alum referred to Van Der Beek as "a beautiful soul" in her tribute, referring to his death as an "unthinkably tragic loss." "Sending prayers of peace to your family as you process this," she added. "We are all by your side." The Uplifting Message James Van Der Beek Gave In His Final Interview Hannah Brown The former Bachelorette star was a contestant on the same DWTS season as Van Der Beek. "This is heartbreaking to hear," she wrote. "I am beyond thankful to have met James and experienced his light, joy, and talent. Sending your beautiful family so much love and prayers." Kellan Lutz "So sorry for you, your fa