View gallery James Van Der Beek's death struck a chord across Hollywood after his family announced his passing on February 11, 2026. Former co-stars, friends and other industry peers paid tribute to the late Varsity Blues star, who battled colorectal cancer in his final years. Read the tributes for James from his former co-stars, friends and other peers. Katie Holmes View this post on Instagram Katie, James' former Dawson's Creek co-star, shared a heartfelt handwritten note to her Instagram, thanking James for the memories they shared. "James, thank you," Katie wrote.