Algee Smith hails 'giving and caring' James Van Der Beek Algee Smith has heaped praise on James Van Der Beek, who passed away earlier this month. 19 February 2026 James Van Der Beek was a "great leader on set", according to Algee Smith. James Van Der Beek died aged 48 The Dawson's Creek star passed away on February 11, aged 48, and Algee has now opened up about his experience of working with James on The Gates, their new horror movie. Algee, 31, told Extra: "I just want to send love to James' family and to James ... He was just such a great leader on set.