Hollywood is saying goodbye to James Van Der Beek.
As we previously reported, the beloved Dawson’s Creek star passed away on Wednesday morning following a years-long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed the tragic news on Instagram, saying:
“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.”
Related: James Said Cancer Was ‘The Best Thing That’s Ever Happened’ To Him
In the wake of James’ passing, many are taking to social media to mourn him, including the celebrities who knew and loved him. Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote in the comments of Kim’s post:
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F**k Cancer.”
Chad Michael Murray expressed similar sentiments, saying:
“Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”
Emma Slater, who competed with James on Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars, shared that she is thankful she got to “say goodbye” to him:
“I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.”
Paul Walter Hauser posted a pic of the amount raised for James’ cancer treatment, adding:
“Love you, James. 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.”
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Nikki Reed called James a “beautiful soul” on Instagram Stories, adding:
“You beautiful soul. Anyone who had the privilege of knowing you is forever changed by you. Your depth, your presence, your unparalleled love for your family. The connection you and Kimberly have that transcends lifetimes. You still hold the prize for wisest person I’ve ever known. Every piece of advice, every nugget of life experience you shared was a treasure I’ll hold close forever. And don’t even get me started on the gift you had with words. When you picked up your pen, you made all of us remember what tenderness feels like on a page. Oh James, you are so so so deeply loved. And so so deeply missed. My heart aches and I’m sure the ripples of those aches will be felt forever.”
Oof. The Twilight alum also offered to help her deal friend Kimberly in any way that she needs during this difficult time:
“And Kimberly, we are all wrapping you and those sweet babies in love. My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I’ve ever known. Here for you in every way, forever.”
Jenna Dewan wrote in the comments section of Kimberly’s statement:
“I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family”
Rumer Willis added:
“My dear wonderful friends I love you all, I am keeping you all in my heart. Im so lucky to have had you in my life for so long. James set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother (to me) I am so grateful to have witnessed your love and respect and care for each other. Sending all the love and light to you all.”
Jamie-Lynn Sigler shared that she felt so lucky to be “part of his tribe”:
“We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe. Fly high James. You were everything good in this world.”
Jennifer Garner mourned, saying:
“What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time.”
Christie Brinkley reflected:
“His kindness radiated, his love for his family was palpable it sparkled, everybody loved him. My most heartfelt condolences go out to his beautiful family he adored.”
Ashton Kutcher wrote on X (Twitter):
“Had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy. Rip”
Rosie O’Donnell expressed on her IG:
“too soon too young #ripJAMES”
Busy Philipps remembered James on her IG, calling him “one in a billion”:
“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister. But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i’ll put the link in my stories. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i’m so grateful for our friendship all these years”
James will be so missed. See more tributes (below):
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We continue to keep his family in our hearts. You can donate to their GoFundMe HERE.
[Image via The Drew Barrymore Show/Good Morning America/TODAY/Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube]
The post Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chad Michael Murray, Paul Walter Hauser, & More Pay Tribute After James Van Der Beek’s Heartbreaking Death: 'F**k Cancer' appeared first on Perez Hilton.