A former co-star of James Van Der Beek’s has paid tribute to the late actor following his tragic passing after a long battle with colorectal cancer.
Nicole Bilderback, who had a recurring role on The WB’s “Dawson’s Creek” — the show that made Van Der Beek famous — took to Instagram to write a heartfelt reply to the post announcing the 48-year-old had died, as well as a post of her own honouring the beloved star.
Korean-born Bilderback, 50, played Heather Tracy on the show, which ran from 1998 until 2003. She appeared in five episodes, starting in 2001, until 2003 (per IMDb).
Nicole Bilderback Remembers James Van Der Beek’s ‘Kindness & Light’
Along with a plethora of stars, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Jennifer Garner, Chad Michael Murray, and Rumer Willis, Nicole Bilderback had nothing but lovely words to say about James Van Der Beek.
Bilderback wrote, “*James- Over the 5 episodes of Dawson’s I did, I am blessed & lucky to have had you in every single scene with me. You will be missed so dearly. Your kindness & light shines on in this world forever. 💫 This hurts. Rest in peace. 🕊️”
She also offered her heartfelt condolences to Van Der Beek’s family. Bilderback continued, “*Sweet Kimberly- I met you at our mutual friend’s baby shower (@ashddubs ) years ago and we shared life stories & laughed throughout. I remember thinking how kind, funny and beautifully contagious you were. There are no words right now to express the depth of my sorrow and pain for you and your beautiful children. I can only hope you find some level of comfort knowing you have the whole big world underneath you lifting you up and God by your side. ❤️ I’m truly so so sorry. 🙏”
An Instagram user replied to Bilderback’s commented, simply writing, “@thenicolebilderback heart broken 💔.”
Bilderback Called Van Der Beek the ‘Nicest’ Human
Nicole Bilderback’s reply wasn’t the only post she made on Instagram regarding James Van Der Beek’s passing. The actress — whose television credits also includes the likes of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch,” “ER,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Dark Angel,” and “Cruel Summer” — also did one of her own.
Posting on her account to her 30.8k followers, Bilderback shared three images. One of them was solely of Van Der Beek, while the other two featured her alongside him on “Dawson’s Creek” — including one in which they share a kiss on the cheek.
Bilderback’s lovely caption read, “*swipe left ⬅️* This one hurts. I had the joy of doing 5 episodes of Dawson’s Creek. I had the honor of sharing the space with James in almost all of my scenes in all 5 episodes. I’m forever grateful for this. James was honest to God the nicest, most kind, down to earth, deeply thoughtful and fully aware human. He thought far beyond the surface, choosing to live deep in his heart. The world was lucky to have him in it. 💫🙏”
She continued, “We lost a really good one today. But one that will be forever be remembered as pure light on this earth plane. REST IN PEACE James. Until we see you again…. 🕊️❤️
*
My whole heart is with his beautiful wife Kimberly and their incredible 6 children. ❤️🙏”
Bilderback’s Followers Responded Lovingly
GettyBilderback’s post received many replies from her followers. Of course, they were all full of love for her and Van Der Beek.
Fellow actress Rae Oliver commented, “I thought of you right away. Love so much sis ❤️.”
Another Instagram user wrote, “I love this tribute ❤️ ‘96 baby here I grew up watching you & loved that you were apart of of this life changing series. Rip James 🤍.”
Someone else said, “It’s clear he was someone special to you. Sorry for your loss. ❤️”
We’re sure more tributes to Van Der Beek will continue to pour in over the coming days. He was clearly thought of extremely highly by fans and peers alike.
May James Van Der Beek rest in eternal peace.
