Sarah Michelle Gellar is among the many stars honoring James Van Der Beek following his death earlier this week, sharing a heartfelt message that captured both the loss felt by his friends and the impact he had across Hollywood and beyond.
Van Der Beek, best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery on the iconic teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” passed away on Feb. 11, 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, his family announced.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow actors alike — including Gellar, who took to the comments on the announcement post with a tribute that was both raw and deeply personal.
Gellar Expressed Her Sadness
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” Gellar wrote on the official social media post announcing Van Der Beek’s passing. “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. [Explicative] Cancer.”
Her message struck a chord with many fans, who saw her words as a reflection of both the grief and respect many feel for the beloved actor.
Using blunt language in the face of cancer’s devastating toll, Gellar’s tribute expressed frustration at the disease while celebrating Van Der Beek’s legacy — a mix of sorrow and admiration that resonated widely online.
Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s, becoming a household name with “Dawson’s Creek” and later starring in “Varsity Blues,” as well as roles in “The Rules of Attraction,” “Pose” and other film and TV projects over a long and varied career.
Tributes Pour In
His openness about his cancer diagnosis — which he revealed publicly in late 2024 — endeared him further to fans, especially as he used his platform to advocate for early screening and awareness during his illness.
Following the news of his death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry.
“Dancing With the Stars” host Alfonso Ribeiro shared that he was “broken” over the loss and grateful for his last moments with Van Der Beek, while others noted the actor’s kindness, humor and dedication to family.
Gellar’s tribute stands out in particular for its unfiltered honesty — a reminder of how deeply Van Der Beek was cherished not only as a performer but as a friend and a human being.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children, and his passing has sparked renewed conversations about the importance of cancer awareness and early detection — part of the advocacy he embraced even amid his own health struggle.
His contributions to television and film — and the personal connections he forged with fans and peers alike — ensure that his memory will continue to be celebrated for years to come.
