‘Dawson’s Creek’ Actor Gets Emotional Remembering James Van Der Beek at Film Premiere
‘Dawson’s Creek’ Actor Gets Emotional Remembering James Van Der Beek at Film Premiere
Nicole MooreSat, February 28, 2026 at 1:40 AM UTC
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(Photo by Michael Buckner/Deadline/Penske Media via Getty Images)
Scott Foley is opening up about his friendship with late actorJames Van Der Beek.
While speaking toEntertainment Tonight at the Scream 7 premiere on February 26, Foley discussed his friendship with Van Der Beek, who died at the age of 48 on February 11 after battling colorectal cancer. Foley appeared as the character Cliff Elliot in the first season of Dawson's Creek, which starred Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery, per IMDb.
"It was a really formative time in my career and his when we worked together and when we knew each other and we stayed in contact for a little bit. But as it happens in life, you sort of drift apart. I was heartbroken to hear about it and still am a little bit," said Foley with his voice wavering. "And I hope his family does all right. We came up together. You know, we were sort of the same generation of actors and the WB pedigree. And I'm proud to say he was a friend and he will be missed."
'Dawson's Creek' Stars Shared Their Tributes to James Van Der Beek on Social Media
Foley is among the many Dawson's Creek actors who have shared fond memories of Van Der Beek following his death. For instance,Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, penned a heartfelt tribute to her on-screen love interest in a February 11 Instagram post. In the post, she thanked Van Der Beek for being a wonderful co-star, whom she deeply trusted, while filming all six seasons of Dawson's Creek together. In addition, she noted that Van Der Beek had six children with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
"I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children," wrote Holmes in the post's caption.
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Actress Busy Philipps, who played Dawson's Creek character, Audrey Liddell, also honored Van Der Beek's memory on Instagram. In her February 11 Instagram post, Philipps said she was heartbroken for Van Der Beek's loved ones, especially his wife and children.
"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," wrote Philipps.
Kerr Smith, who played Jack McPhee on Dawson's Creek, also shared how much Van Der Beek meant to him in a February 12 Instagram post, addressed to the Varsity Blue actor's wife and children. In the post, Smith described Van Der Beek as "brilliant, creative, wildly original, and completely himself in every room he walked into."
"Being around him meant thinking more deeply, laughing more freely, and feeling more awake to the world. He didn’t just create work. He created connection. He created laughter. He created moments that stay with you," wrote Smith in the post's caption.
In addition, he said that he "will forever be grateful for" his nearly three-decades-long friendship with Van Der Beek.
Dawson's Creek ended in 2003.
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 28, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
