Michelle Williams' heart will forever resonate with the tranquil waters of Dawson's Creek, where her late Dawson's Creek co-star, James Van Der Beek, once found solace. As she accepted the Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series award at the 2026 Actor Awards on March 1st, Michelle shared a poignant tribute to her late friend, who passed away on February 11th at the age of 48, after bravely battling colorectal cancer for over two years. "I'm thinking of him," Michelle told Entertainment Tonight after her victory in Dying for Sex, "and I'm constantly thinking of his family."
She added, "It's been an incredible experience, as James' friend and a friend of his family, to witness the overwhelming response following his passing." Just ten months before James' passing, Michelle, now 45, had publicly expressed her unwavering support for her former castmate during his health battle through regular communication. "We're in touch, and he's in our hearts and minds, and he knows that," she told Entertainment Tonight in April. "We're here for him in every way possible."
In fact, the Oscar-nominated actress demonstrated her loyalty by helping to organize a Dawson's Creek reunion event in support of F Cancer, which brought together Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Busy Philipps, and other members of the teen drama's cast in September. "We grew up in Capeside, and that's a bond that will last forever," Michelle told Us Weekly in a statement announcing the charity event. "We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we're all here. We always have been and we always will be. And I know the fans of Dawson's Creek feel the same way."
Although James was too ill to attend the September fundraiser—though he did send a message to attendees—his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, noted that his presence was felt. "This night was so special to the whole family," she said in a video on her Instagram Stories following the event. "And more importantly, feeling my husband fill the entire theater, and the love for him."
"We'll be unwinding this one for a while," Kimberly—mother to Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4—continued. "But thank you for the love and support and for the prayers." Just a few months later, his family confirmed his passing, detailing his courageous battle.
"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," James' family said in a statement posted to his Instagram on February 11th. "There is much to share about 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."
