Michelle Williams paid a moving tribute to her late Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek at the 2026 Actor Awards held in Los Angeles on March 1. The actress, nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role in FX’s Dying for Sex, openly shared her thoughts about Van Der Beek, who had recently passed away.
Remembering James Van Der Beek’s Impact and Legacy
Williams revealed that James Van Der Beek has been on her mind since his death on February 11, when he lost his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 48. His wife, Kimberly, confirmed his peaceful passing in a heartfelt Instagram announcement. Williams spoke about the overwhelming support shown to Van Der Beek’s family and friends, highlighting a GoFundMe campaign that raised over $2.75 million to help with medical expenses and provide for his six children.
I’m thinking about him and… his family constantly,
Williams shared during an interview with Entertainment Tonight on the Shrine Auditorium red carpet.
It’s been such an amazing thing as James is a friend and a friend of the family to see the response in the wake of his passing,
she added.
I just really want to say thank you to each and every person who has contributed to sustaining their lives and their children’s lives. It’s an incredibly meaningful thing to witness.
Shared History on Dawson’s Creek and Personal Life
Williams and Van Der Beek originally connected on the set of Dawson’s Creek, where she portrayed Jen Lindley and he played the show’s lead, Dawson Leery. Williams was 16 years old when she joined the series, while Van Der Beek was 20. Their performances contributed to the show’s enduring success from 1998 to 2003 and left a lasting impression on fans.
At the awards ceremony, Williams appeared alongside her husband, director Thomas Kail, with whom she shares three children. She also has a daughter from her relationship with the late Heath Ledger. Meanwhile, James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, Annabel, Joshua, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
The Enduring Significance of Their Bond
Williams’ homage reflects a deep respect for her late co-star and underscores the close bond shared between them on-screen and off. Her recognition of the community’s generosity highlights the impact of Van Der Beek’s life beyond his acting career. As supporters continue to rally around his family, this tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the strength found in friendship and compassion during times of loss.
