Michelle Williams addressed the recent passing of James Van Der Beek at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards on Sunday night, speaking publicly for the first time about her former co-star’s death.
Williams, now 45, shared the screen with Van Der Beek on the popular teen series “Dawson’s Creek,” which aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003.
Van Der Beek passed away on February 11 at the age of 48 after battling colorectal cancer.
Speaking with ET, Williams said about the late actor, ‘I’m thinking about him and I’m thinking about his family constantly.
Reflecting on this loss, Williams expressed, “As a friend of James and his family, witnessing the outpouring of support following his passing has been truly remarkable.”
She also mentioned the GoFundMe initiative set up to support Van Der Beek’s children, adding, “I want to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed. Your support is profoundly impactful for their family.”
Michelle Williams broke her silence on James Van Der Beek’s death on Sunday night at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards
Williams, 45, co-starred alongside Van Der Beek on the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which lasted six seasons between 1998 and 2003
James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, along with sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four.
After initially posting a $500,00 goal, the page has surpassed $2.7 million through more than 46,000 donations.
A description on the site reads: ‘In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.
‘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 message continues: ‘The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.
‘Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives. Thank you for considering a gift to support them.’
Kimberly posed alongside Williams, Busy Philipps, and Katie Holmes in a September 2025 Instagram post depicting their close bond.
L-R Dawson’s Creek castmates Joshua Jackson, Williams, Van Der Beek, and Katie Holmes
Williams as Jen Lindley and Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery
Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberly (far left) posed alongside Williams (right center), Busy Philipps (left center), and Katie Holmes (far right) in a September 2025 Instagram post depicting their close bond
She captioned, ‘Going deeper with these ladies has been so bitter sweet. They are magic, kind, gifted, heart forward and… sacred.
‘Missed my guy so. But the support and the love has been healing to the core. Will post more along the way. This was a fun spontaneous one as we all ran up and down several flights of stairs to our dressing rooms.’
On the day of his death, Philipps paid tribute to Van Der Beek with a touching Instagram post.
Sharing two throwback photos of them together, she wrote, ‘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.❤️’
