Katie Holmes has shared a loving message in memory of James Van Der Beek who passed away this week from colorectal cancer.
The duo were in their late teens and early 20s when they starred together in the hit drama series Dawson’s Creek back in the 90s. They remained friends ever since.
In a post on Instagram, Katie shared a handwritten note. It said:
“James, Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred – breathing the same air in land of make believe and trusting that each tohers’ 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. 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.
To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”
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In 2024, James told the world about his stage 3 cancer diagnosis – “I have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said to People.
“There’s a reason for optimism and I’m feeling good.”
He later spoke to Healthline, sharing that “there wasn’t any red flag or something glaring…. I had stage 3 cancer, and I had no idea.” But he did say there was a change in bowel movements which he put down to his coffee intake.
According to the Cancer Council (NSW), a persistent change in bowl habits can be one of the early signs of bowel cancers.
Last year, James had to pull out of a Dawson’s Creek reunion event in New York which was raising money for cancer charities as wall as to support James himself. His cast mates including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams were all there.
(Feature Image Credit: Evan Agostini/ImageDirect via Getty Images)
