Reese Witherspoon Mourns Death of James Van Der Beek

The actress calls the late actor an "extraordinary, talented man" who showed "great kindness and grace."

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Reese Witherspoon is honoring the life of actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away on Wednesday in Austin, Texas at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Witherspoon, who was set to work with Van Der Beek on an upcoming TV series based on her iconic "Legally Blonde" character, called him an "extraordinary, talented man" and said she is "devastated" by his death.

Why it matters

Van Der Beek was a beloved actor known for his breakout role on the 1990s series "Dawson's Creek" as well as appearances in numerous other TV shows and films over his decades-long career. His passing at a relatively young age is a significant loss for the entertainment industry and his many fans.

The details

Reese Witherspoon paid tribute to Van Der Beek on her Instagram Story, writing that she is "devastated" about his passing and that he showed "great kindness and grace in every action." Van Der Beek's final acting role was set to be in the upcoming TV series "Elle," based on Witherspoon's "Legally Blonde" character, on which she serves as an executive producer. The series is scheduled to premiere on July 1.

  • James Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2026 in Austin, Texas.
  • Van Der Beek had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since August 2023.

The players

Reese Witherspoon

An acclaimed actress who is an executive producer on the upcoming TV series "Elle," in which Van Der Beek was set to appear.

James Van Der Beek

A talented actor known for his breakout role on the 1990s series "Dawson's Creek" as well as numerous other TV and film roles over his decades-long career.

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What they’re saying

“I'm devastated about the passing of James Van Der Beek. He was an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.”

— Reese Witherspoon (Instagram)

What’s next

The upcoming TV series "Elle," based on Witherspoon's "Legally Blonde" character, is scheduled to premiere on July 1, 2026 without Van Der Beek's planned role.

The takeaway

James Van Der Beek's passing at the age of 48 is a significant loss for the entertainment industry, as he was a beloved and respected actor known for his memorable roles over the course of his decades-long career. His co-stars and colleagues, like Reese Witherspoon, are mourning the tragic loss.