‘90s icon Melissa Joan Hart has shared her reaction to the death of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek. Van Der Beek lost his battle with Stage 3 colorectal cancer on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, sparking an outpouring of condolences from former co-stars like Katie Holmes.
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| LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 11: James Van Der Beek arrives at the Los Angeles premiere of "The Grey" held at Regal Cinemas L.A. Live on January 11, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic) |
Melissa Joan Hart appeared alongside Van Der Beek on the Nickelodeon series Clarissa Explains It All. In a social media post shared after the announcement of Van Der Beek’s death, Hart explained her heartbreak over the passing of her former costar.
Accompanying photos of herself alongside a teenage Van Der Beek, Melissa Joan Hart wrote on Instagram:
"I'm heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away! He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on screen kiss when he guest starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight. We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 6 kids, his wife and family!"
Melissa Joan Hart’s fans were quick to reminisce about the Dawson’s Creek star’s career, legacy, and the sadness of his untimely death at 48 years old.
“I remember that episode but I never realized that was him! Wow,” shared one nostalgic fan. Another added, “This is so sad. What a noble fight he put up. ❤️❤️ Love and good thoughts to his family and friends 🙏”
“You have a wonderful and warm heart, Melissa. Your words are truly kind. James will always be remembered as a great man,” shared one more.
James Van Der Beek’s name is synonymous with his Dawson’s Creek character Dawson Leery, but the iconic ’90s actor celebrated a long and expansive career in TV and film, including guest stints on sitcoms like Clarissa Explains It All.
The teen sitcom aired on Nickelodeon from 1991 to 1994. In the series, Melissa Joan Hart portrayed Clarissa Darling, a witty teenager who breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.
Early in his career, James Van Der Beek appeared alongside Melissa Joan Hart on the Clarissa Explains It All, episode "Alter Ego" as Paulie, sharing an on-screen kiss which would be Hart’s first. Hart has spoken fondly of the “awkward” first on-screen kiss, sharing humorous anecdotes about the scene in interviews and in her memoir Melissa Explains It All: Tales from My Abnormally Normal Life.
James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly Brook and their six children. In a statement shared to social media, Kimberly wrote, “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.”
The quick outpouring of condolences following the news of James Van Der Beek’s death is a testament to his impact both as an actor on hits like Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, as well as the courage and bravery with which he faced his battle with cancer.
James Van Der Beek‘s friends have launched a GoFundMe to financially support his wife and kids following the actor's passing. He’d been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, which the fundraiser says put significant financial strain on the family.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the GoFundMe page reads. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
The page also explains that all donations will be used to cover “essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education.”
Within two hours of its creation, the fundraiser had already raised more than $200,000.
In November, Van Der Beek revealed that he was auctioning memorabilia from Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues with all proceeds going toward his medical fees. That was after his former Dawson’s Creek co-stars reunited for a table read to benefit F Cancer and Van der Beek. The actor was set to be involved but had to drop out due to illness. Lin-Manuel Miranda took his place for the live stage reading.
Paul Walter Hauser has also been raising funds for Van Der Beek recently. In January, he launched a Cameo campaign to raise $20,000 in support of his fellow actor’s cancer treatments. In his own Instagram post after Van Der Beek’s death, Hauser shared a screenshot with the more than $14,000 he’d raised on the platform.
“Love you, James,” Hauser wrote in his post. “I know you’re in Heaven being pampered with love. The Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we’ll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family. Thanks for the body of work and for being one of the good guys.”
R.I.P. James David Van Der Beek, March 8, 1977 – February 11, 2026
