Late actor James Van Der Beekturned a family title after starring as Dawson Leery within the hit WB teen drama, Dawson’s Creek.
Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 at 48 following a battle with Stage 3 colorectal most cancers, spoke about filming the six-season collection throughout a panel on the Metal Metropolis Con in April 2025. Whereas on stage, alongside his former castmate, Kerr Smith, who performed Jack McPhee, Van Der Beek talked about Dawson’s behavior of making points and ultimately apologizing for his errors. Smith then teasingly referenced that Dawson punched Jack on the homecoming dance in Season 2, Episode 6, which aired in 1999.
Van Der Beek then shared he did not bear in mind filming the scene.
“Did I punch you within the face? I do not do not forget that,” mentioned Van Der Beek to his former co-star.
Smith defined that Jack kissed Joey Potter, performed byKatie Holmes, whereas she was nonetheless courting Dawson. Smith additionally referenced that his character was not but open about being homosexual within the present’s second season.
“I stole your girlfriend for a heartbeat there earlier than I went one other path,” mentioned Smith on the panel.
Katie Holmes Paid Tribute to James Van Der Beek
In the course of the April 2025 Dawson’s Creek panel, Van Der Beek was requested to share his favourite scene to movie on the collection, which led to 2003. He jokingly replied, “After I punched Kerr.”
“I do not bear in mind it, however I am positive it was my favourite,” quipped Van Der Beek.
He then clarified his precise favourite Dawson’s Creek scene was an early second whereby audiences first received a glimpse of Dawson and Joey’s shut friendship.
“Truthfully, my favourite scene was in all probability one of many first ones we shot. It was Katie and me within the bed room,” mentioned Van Der Beek to the viewers.
On February 12, Holmes shared a tribute to Van Der Beek on her Instagram account. In her message, she thanked Van Der Beek for being her castmate for six years.
“To James, thanks. To share an area together with your creativeness is sacred — respiration the identical air within the land of make imagine and trusting that one another’s hearts are protected of their expression,” wrote Holmes within the caption.
She additionally referenced that Van Der Beek shared six youngsters along with his spouse, Kimberly Van Der Beek, whom he wed in 2010. She wrote that not solely was Van Der Beek courageous, compassionate, selfless, and powerful, he had “an appreciation for all times with the integrity that life is artwork — creating a lovely marriage, six loving youngsters — the journey of a hero.”
“I mourn this loss with a coronary heart holding the fact of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it. To Kimberly and the youngsters, we’re right here for you at all times. And can at all times be to bathe you with love and compassion,” continued Holmes in her submit.
