Dawson’s Creek Creator Stands by James Van Der Beek’s Wife Following Tragic Loss

Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson expressed his support for Kimberly Van Der Beek following the passing of her husband, James Van Der Beek.

“To Kimberly, With much love, we stand with you,” Williamson, 60, shared on Instagram on Thursday, February 12, a day after James’s death at 48 after battling cancer. “Your Dawson’s Creek family will always be here for you and your wonderful family.”

Williamson, who met James in his early 20s during the WB series production, reflected on the overwhelming tributes to the late actor while trying to find the perfect way to commemorate him.

“To everyone, thank you for your love and support. It has been deeply felt,” Williamson stated. “Several times today, I have tried from my heart to articulate the brilliance of James and the significance of his presence in my life. Yet, I find myself at a loss for words.”

“I must trust that one day those words will come … But today, my thoughts are with Kimberly and the entire Van Der Beek family. My heart is with you. K.”

Williamson and James developed a lifelong friendship after James was cast as the lead, Dawson Leery, in Dawson’s Creek.

The WB series aired from 1998 to 2003 and followed Dawson’s coming-of-age journey alongside his childhood best friends, neighbor Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), and teen friend Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams), who moved from New York to live with her grandmother.

After James announced his stage III colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, his Dawson’s Creek family rallied to support him.

The cast reunited in September 2025 for a one-night-only event in New York City where they performed a reading of the show’s pilot to raise funds for the nonprofit charity F Cancer. (Although James was unable to attend in person, he sent a heartfelt video message for fans and his co-stars.)

Throughout the ups and downs of James’ health, his wife, Kimberly, 44, has stood by him since their marriage in August 2010.

The couple, who share daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, along with sons Joshua and Jeremiah, openly discussed the challenges James faced during his cancer journey as they spent his remaining days in Texas.

On Wednesday, February 11, James’ family announced his passing, stating via an Instagram post, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

His loved ones further expressed, “There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity, and the preciousness of time. Those details will come. For now, we ask for privacy as we grieve our cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Following the news, Kimberly shared a GoFundMe page set up by friends to assist with the family’s medical expenses in light of James’s death.

“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who made a positive impact on everyone he met,” the GoFundMe description stated. “After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced emotional and significant financial challenges in their endeavor to support James and provide for his care.”

The page indicated that Kimberly and her children are “facing an uncertain future” after James’s death.

“The costs associated with James’s medical care and the ongoing battle against cancer have left the family financially strained,” the fundraiser description continued. “They are working diligently to remain in their home and ensure their children can continue their education and find some stability during this incredibly challenging time.”

Williamson was among several celebrities who shared the GoFundMe page on social media and contributed. He is just one of the Dawson’s Creek team members who have paid tribute to James since his passing.

Holmes also penned a heartfelt letter to her late co-star and shared it on Instagram early Thursday morning.

“James, thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and knowing that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression,” Holmes, 47, began her handwritten note. “These memories, along with laughter and conversations about life, James Taylor songs, and adventures of a unique youth …”

She continued: “Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the commitment to live with integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage and raising six loving children — the journey of a hero.”

“I mourn this loss while holding onto the reality of his absence and a profound gratitude for the impact he left on my life,” the actress added.