Long before Carson Daly was a “Today” anchor and host of “The Voice,” he was a teen heartthrob on MTV’s “Total Request Live,” interviewing the hottest celebrities from 1998 to 2003 — the very same years that James Van Der Beek and his “Dawson’s Creek” castmates skyrocketed to stardom on their teen drama.
Hours after Van Der Beek’s death at age 48 on February 11, 2026, Daly posted a tribute to the actor on social media, writing, “I didn’t know @vanderjames well, but we shared a unique time in our early TV careers & had shared values. I was a fan. I always enjoyed being with him & talking to him. He wasn’t ‘Hollywood’. He spoke of his love of faith & family & obviously went onto live both out beautifully. My prayers are with Kimberly, the kids & their family & friends. God bless you guys 🙏🏼”
Fans Flood Carson Daly’s Tribute With Gratitude & Fond Memories
Daly, 52, shared two throwback photos of himself and Van Der Beek with his tribute, and many fans of the two stars appreciated his kind words, including one who wrote, “Class act Carson ❤️❤️”
Another commented, “Both of you made up my teen years 😢 will miss you James!”
“Beautiful post Carson,” someone else wrote. “His suffering and pain are over and I pray peace for his sweet family. May his memory be a blessing. ✨✝️✨”
Someone else chimed in, “This is how you guys will forever remain in my mind 👏 ~ oooh those good ol years. #youth …We will miss him. 🙏”
James Van Der Beek Had Been Battling Cancer Since Late 2024
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in November 2024. 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.
A statement released on February 11 by his family 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.”
Many stars have paid tribute to Van Der Beek in the wake of his passing, from “Dawson’s Creek” castmates like a handwritten letter from Katie Holmes and a sweet tribute from his TV mom, Mary-Margaret Humes, to a post from his “Dancing With The Stars” partner Emma Slater.
