Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek's 'Dawson's Creek' Co-Star, Pays Tribute to Late Actor

Actress Katie Holmes, who starred alongside James Van Der Beek in the iconic teen drama series Dawson's Creek, honored her former co-star in a heartfelt message following Van Der Beek's death.

Van Der Beek, 48, passed away Wednesday after a nearly three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Holmes shared her thoughts in an Instagram post early Thursday morning.

'He is beloved'

Holmes' Instagram post contained a handwritten note addressed to Van Der Beek, which she penned with a "heavy heart."

"I formed some words with a heavy heart," Holmes captioned the post. "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. ❤️"

In her writing, Holmes thanked Van Der Beek, adding that "to share a 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."

"These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth," she wrote.

Holmes went on to laud Van Der Beek for his "compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength" before sending her "love and compassion" to the Varsity Blues star's wife Kimberly and their six children.

'Dawson's Creek' launched Holmes, Van Der Beek to stardom

The WB show, which ran from 1998-2003, featured the first starring roles for Holmes and Van Der Beek. The latter played main protagonist Dawson Leery, an aspiring filmmaker growing up in the fictional community of Capeside, Massachussetts.

Holmes, meanwhile, portrayed Joey Potter, Leery's best friend and love interest. Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson) and Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) are other two major characters throughout the show's six seasons.

Mary-Margaret Humes, John Wesley Shipp, Busy Philipps, Nina Repeta, Mary Beth Peil, Kerr Smith and Meredith Monroe were the other actors who played major roles during the series' run.