James Van Der Beek's Dawson Creek co-star Katie Holmes shares emotional tribute after death aged 48

James Van Der Beek's co-star Katie Holmes has shared a handwritten note paying tribute to the late actor, who died aged 48.

It was confirmed that the American actor, who played the eponymous lead role in Dawson's Creek, had passed away yesterday (11 February). The star had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, going public with his diagnosis the following year.

On the father-of-six's Instagram, a tribute was posted, 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."

Now, Katie Holmes, his Dawson's Creek co-star, has paid a touching tribute to her long-time friend.

The beloved actor leaves behind six children and his wife Kimberly (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

She began: "I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved."

The Batman Begins actress also vowed to help take care of his widow, Kimberly, and their six children.

Holmes added: "James. Thank you. To share space with your imagination is sacred - breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression..."

She shared the heartfelt on Instagram (katieholmes/Instagram)

Holmes also shared some memories from their time together on the hit 90s and noughties show, which helped to kickstart Van Der Beek's career and saw him appear in other hit comedy series such as How I Met Your Mother and Ugly Betty.

She wrote: "These are some of the memories along with Laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs - adventures of a unique youth...

"Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art - creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children - the journey of a Hero.

The two were long-time friends after starring together in Dawson's Creek ( SGranitz/WireImage)

"I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.

"To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with Love and compassion."

A fundraiser has also been launched to support the family and has raised over $1 million in less than 24 hours since its launch, while Van Der Beek also left a final heartbreaking message to his fans.