Katie Holmes got candid about her relationship with James Van Der Beek's family during the Tribeca Festival on June 7 in New York City.
The two knew each other for decades being that they both starred in the hit series Dawson's Creek when the two were young adults.
James passed away from colorectal cancer in February 2026.
Katie recalled her heartwarming moments with the star, expressing to ET: "We experienced something very unique at a very young age, and we had a lot of incredible memories together and a lot of really wonderful personal growing up stories, and I think we all care deeply for his family, and all of my memories are for his family and for each other. I'm more protective than ever of that time."
© Getty ImagesJoshua Jackson shared: "I'd actually go in the opposite direction. I would say that having the opportunity to meet him again later, as a husband and as a father, and to see the culmination of who he was as a man – that's the thing that I will cherish the most. He was an amazing father, an amazing partner, and that time that we all shared together was life changing."
He concluded: "His final form was his perfect form, so that's what I'll always take away."
© WireImageKatie's moving tribute to James
At the time of his passing, the actress shared an emotional post about him online.
Her statement on social media read: "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. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children."
Katie's moving post featured a hand-written letter in which she paid tribute to her dear friend and praised his presence.
© Getty ImagesIt read: "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 others’ hearts are safe in their expression… These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs—adventures of a unique youth…"
Family ties
James welcomed six children into the world with his wife since 2009, Kimberly Van Der Beek including, Olivia, born in 2010, Joshua, born in 2012, Annabel, born in 2014, Emila, born in 2016, and Gwendolyn, born in 2018, and Jeremiah, born in 2021.
© Getty ImagesKatie also shared her support for James' big family in the letter, writing: "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. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it."
James' health struggles
In 2024, James publicly revealed that he had stage 3 of colorectal cancer.
His diagnosis came after he experienced painful bowel movement the previous year. He went in for a colonoscopy and doctors discovered his diagnosis.
