The news of James Van Der Beek’s death on February 11, 2026, left Mary-Margaret Humes “at a loss for words,” she wrote in a heartbreaking tribute to the actor, who played her son from 1998 to 2003 on “Dawson’s Creek,” the teen drama that made him a star. In 2024, he sweetly called her “the best TV mom ever.”
Humes and Van Der Beek, who each appeared in Hallmark movies after their “Dawson’s Creek” success, remained very close over the years. After Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024, Humes revealed her own cancer battle and how their shared experience deepened their bond even further.
“Rarely am I at a loss for words,” Humes captioned two photos of her and Van Der Beek, who was 48. “Today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity. I will always love and admire you for that.”
Mary-Margaret Humes Asked Fans to Be ‘Respectful’ as James Van Der Beek’s Loved Ones Mourn
In Humes’ tribute to Van Der Beek, she noted that she spoke with him days before his passing, writing, “Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping. To our extended Dawson’s Creek family of friends … please be respectful of our silences at the moment as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy for now.”
It’s not surprising that Humes and Van Der Beek were close until the end. In 2024, Van Der Beek revealed that after his real-life mom died in 2020, Humes began baking and overnighting him chocolate chip cookies each year on his birthday.
“Of all the boys who’ve ever been on television,” he said in a video on his 47th birthday, “I for sure had the best TV mom.”
After Van Der Beek went public with his cancer battle, Humes did the same, revealing in September 2025 that she battled colon cancer in 2007. The actress told Us Weekly at the time, “It was just about ready to break out of the wall,” Humes recalled. “It could’ve been a terrible situation, but we caught it in time. My doctor said we dodged a bullet, and it was all because of early detection. Cancers are survivable, but go out and get screened — thankfully, that’s part of James’ journey.”
James Van Der Beek’s Family Announced His Passing Via Social Media
Van Der Beek’s family announced his death on February 11 in a social media post that said, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children — daughters Gwendolyn, 7, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Olivia, 15, and sons Jeremiah, 4, and Joshua, 13.
