Busy Philipps is 'deeply hurting' after James Van Der Beek's death

Edward Segarra, USA TODAYWed, February 11, 2026 at 10:47 PM UTC

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"Dawson's Creek" star Busy Philipps is mourning the loss of her friend and costar James Van Der Beek.

Several celebrity tributes are pouring in for the actor and Millennial icon after Van Der Beek's death was announced on his official Instagram page on Wednesday, Feb. 11. Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, died at age 48 on Wednesday morning.

While an exact cause of death was not disclosed, the post noted that Van Der Beek "passed peacefully."

In an emotional Instagram post, Philipps wrote that her "heart is deeply hurting for all of us today."

"Every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness," Philipps continued. "But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children."

James Van Der Beek poses at the Golden Globe Awards party honoring young Hollywood in West Hollywood, California, on Dec. 8, 2009.

Philipps played Audrey Liddell opposite Van Der Beek's Dawson Leery on the seminal teen drama, which ran from 1998-2003.

"James Van Der Beek was one in a billion, and he will be forever missed and I don't know what else to say," Philipps concluded. "I am just so, so sad. He was my friend, and I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years."

Here's what other stars are saying about Van Der Beek's life and career.

James Van Der Beek dies: 'Dawson's Creek' star was 48

1 / 0James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'

From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."

Sarah Michelle Gellar calls James Van Der Beek's death a 'true loss'

Actress and fellow '90s darling Sarah Michelle Gellar took to the comments to grieve Van Der Beek's death, writing: "I'm so sad for your beautiful family. While James' legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world."

Gellar also paid tribute to her friendship with Van Der Beek in a heartfelt Instagram Story post, featuring a throwback photo of the actors.

"I grew up alongside @vanderjames. He was one of the good guys," Gellar wrote. "This is a true loss."

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1 / 0Passages 2026: James Van Der Beek and more stars we lost

James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for embodying those formative, angsty teenage years in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died on Feb. 11 at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer."He met his final days with courage, faith and grace," read a post on the actor's official Instagram page. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."

Jennifer Garner, Chad Michael Murray remember 'giant' James Van Der Beek

"What a heartbreaking loss," Jennifer Garner wrote on Instagram. "So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time."

"One Tree Hill" alum Chad Michael Murray remembered Van Der Beek as "a giant" in the comments section of Van Der Beek's obituary post. The actor had a four-episode stint on the teen drama in the late 2000s.

"Sending love and light to your beautiful family," Murray wrote. "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."

James Van Der Beek attends the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sept. 22, 2019.

"James had a kind, generous, thoughtful and beautiful soul," "Modern Family" star Eric Stonestreet wrote (Van Der Beek made a guest appearance on the family sitcom in 2017). "There is no doubt those traits will live on through his wife and gorgeous children. Rest in peace, man."

"This is just beyond devastating news," Katharine McPhee wrote. "I'm so, so sorry for your loss. God bless you all 💔"

More celebrity deaths: 'Scary Movie' actress Jayne Trcka's cause of death released

Danica McKellar, more '90s stars 'devastated' by James Van Der Beek's death

"A beautiful soul and unthinkably tragic loss," Danica McKellar, who starred on "The Wonder Years," wrote on Instagram. "Sending prayers of peace to your family as you process this. We are all by your side."

"All of our love and strength now belongs to you and your family," "A Few Good Men" star Kevin Pollak wrote. "A grand fella, if ever there was one."

1 / 0Remembering James Van Der Beek and the family he leaves behind

James Der Beek, seen here smooching wife Kimberly at Logo's 2011 NewNowNext Awards in Hollywood, was a doting dad of six. Look back at the late star's many red-carpet appearances with his family.

"Dear God! Devastated," "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers" actress Karan Ashley commented.

"James was a straight up gentleman full of kindness, joy and love," wrote "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" star David Boreanaz. "I hold fond memories of conversations with him. Thank you, brother. Your light shines brighter 🙏🏻"

Contributing: Erin Jensen and Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Van Der Beek death tributes - Busy Philipps, more stars

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