Back in 2017, James Van Der Beek, who sadly passed away on Wednesday, February 11, after a brave battle with cancer, played international DJ Diplo on TV. In the one-season series “What Would Diplo Do?,” Van Der Beek embodied the hit-making DJ and showed his softer side to the world.
And as stars from all over the entertainment industry come together to mourn Van Der Beek’s passing, Diplo is looking back to their best moments together.
Diplo Says He’s So ‘Grateful’ for James Van Der Beek’s Friendship
GettyIn a statement on Instagram, the “Where Are Ü Now” DJ looked back at some of the lessons he learned from the “Dawson’s Creek” alum.
“The world met him on screen,” he wrote in the caption. “I met him in the in-between in the way he speaks about his children like they are stars he studies every night.”
“Fame made him known. Fatherhood made him great,” Diplo wrote. As a reminder, Van Der Beek shared six kids with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek. “He taught me that the truest performance is presence. That strength can be soft. That love is the only role that lasts.”
“I’m grateful he played me once,” he continued. “I’m even more grateful he was my friend.” In the gallery post, Diplo shared a side-by-side picture of the two of them in the same outfit, a video of Van Der Beek as Diplo in the series, and a third image of the two of them next to Miley Cyrus and Lorde.
Many Celebrities Have Poured in Support for James Van Der Beek
Since the announcement of his passing on the morning of February 11, countless celebrities have taken to social media to show support for Van Der Beek’s family, and reflect on their time with the “Varsity Blues” actor.
Among them were some of his “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars like Katie Holmes. In her post, Holmes shared a beautiful, handwritten letter. “I formed some words with a heavy heart,” Holmes wrote. “This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
The note began, “James, Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each others’ hearts are safe in their expression… These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs—adventures of a unique youth…”
“Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength,” she continued. “An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art—creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children – the journey of a hero. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
