Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson are still processing the heartbreaking loss of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who passed away in his Texas home in early 2026. His two longtime co-stars are reportedly leaning on each other during an incredibly emotional time.
The devastating news hit especially close to home in Texas, where Van Der Beek had been living with his wife and children in recent years. After leaving California several years ago, the actor and his family settled down in the Lone Star State, hoping to enjoy a quieter life together. Tragically, that chapter came to a painful end when the actor passed away on Feb. 11 after battling colorectal cancer. He was just 48 years old, per NE.
According to sources, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson, both 47, have been struggling to accept the loss of someone they considered more than just a co-star. The trio famously starred together on the hit WB teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003 and became a defining show for an entire generation of TV fans.
Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson Support Each Other After James Van Der Beek’s Texas Death
For Holmes and Jackson, though, the connection went far beyond their on-screen roles. An insider revealed just how hard the loss has been for them to process. “Neither of them want to accept this. James was just the greatest guy. It’s a huge loss — and not just for them.” The source added that the pair have been especially heartbroken thinking about Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, and the couple’s six children.
“They are devastated for his six kids and his wife. He fought so hard to stick around for them, and for a long time, it seemed like he was going to beat this. So to have him not make it is very hard to take,” the insider explained.
James Van Der Beek first shared news of his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis about 15 months before his passing. During that time, he continued to fight while also focusing on his family life. His wife Kimberly later confirmed his death publicly, leaving fans and former co-stars stunned by the loss.
In the midst of the grief, Holmes and Jackson have reportedly been leaning on each other for support. The two actors have remained close friends over the years, even long after Dawson’s Creek wrapped its final episode.
Dawson’s Creek Cast Ready To Rally
In fact, Jackson is currently working alongside Holmes again in her new film trilogy Happy Hours, proving their friendship and professional connection have stood the test of time. Because of that bond, it reportedly felt natural for the pair to turn to each other during such a painful moment.
“They already talk all the time, so it’s natural they are helping support each other through this,” the insider shared.
But the pair aren’t just grieving privately. Holmes is reportedly hoping to organize something meaningful to celebrate Van Der Beek’s life and legacy. According to sources, she wants to create a video memorial featuring memories from the Dawson’s Creek cast something special that his children can one day look back on.
The idea is still in the works, but the insider says Jackson is fully on board with helping make it happen. The goal, ultimately, is to honor their friend in a way that reflects the kindness and warmth he brought into their lives.
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