On February 12, 2026 — the day after James Van Der Beek died at age 48 — “Doc” star and Hallmark fan-favorite Scott Wolf shared a touching tribute to the actor, who rose to stardom on “Dawson’s Creek” in 1998 when Wolf was also busy melting hearts on “Party of Five.”
“Tragic that his beautiful life was cut short,” Wolf captioned a video of Van Der Beek speaking about what having cancer taught him about himself. “He seemed to spend some of his last time with one spiritual foot on the other side, and he chose to bless us all with what he knew from that place. What a gift. What a sweet, generous soul he was, and will always be, especially through the lives of his children who he obviously filled with so much love. We only met a few times, I wish I had known him better. I join the chorus of love and support for his beautiful wife and children, and hold their heavy hearts in mine. 💔❤️”
Heartbroken Fans Quickly Flooded Scott Wolf’s Tribute to James Van Der Beek
When Van Der Beek’s family first posted the news of his death on February 10, Wolf commented, “Truly heartbreaking, what a gift his life was. Sending love to this beautiful family. 💔❤️🤍”
The video that the “A Merry Scottish Christmas” star posted on social media was originally shared by Van Der Beek in March 2025 about what having cancer taught him. The actor was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2023, according to TODAY, and first shared the news publicly in November 2024.
In the video, Van Der Beek said his diagnosis forced him to face his own mortality, explaining, “I had to come nose-to-nose with death” and that all of the ways he had defined himself before “were stripped from me.”
Many responded to Wolf’s post with gratitude and sadness, including former Hallmark “Home & Family” host Debbie Matenopoulos, who commented, “Beautifully said Scott. I feel the same. He was such a kind soul. Sending so much love and prayers to his family. May his memory be eternal 🕊️😢”
Heartbroken fans also flooded Wolf’s post, including one who wrote, “Dawson’s Creek was a part of our childhood, just like Party of Five. It’s us, the children, who are losing our childhood friend today, even though we didn’t know him personally. It’s truly sad.”
Another responded, “It is sooo tragic!! I am still feeling shocked I cannot believe a world without him”
Scott Wolf’s Not the Only Hallmark Star Paying Tribute to James Van Der Beek
Many other Hallmark stars have shared tributes to Van Der Beek, who starred in one Hallmark movie, 2009’s “Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle.”
Among those who have commented on his family’s announcement, “Hannah Swensen Mysteries” star Alison Sweeney wrote, “Such a heartbreaking loss. Sending prayers to Kimberly & their beautiful family.”
“Virgin River” Benjamin Hollingsworth, who’s starred in many Hallmark movies, commented, “James was someone I quietly looked up to for years. The talent was obvious, but it was his integrity and the way he put his family first that truly resonated with me. That balance is something I’ve always aspired to. Sending love and strength to everyone who knew and loved him. 🕊️”
Hallmark Channel also paid tribute to Van Der Beek on social media, posting a photo from his movie and writing, “We are saddened to hear that the brilliant and kind James Van Der Beek has passed away. Our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time.”
