Meredith Monroe needed some time to sit with the news that her friend and Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek had died.
Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11 from colorectal cancer at 48. As the tributes flowed immediately following his death, Monroe said she needed to find a way to come to terms with the fact that her close friend was no longer here.
“It’s been 2 weeks & I still don’t know what to say?? Nothing seems right?? James, you, Kimberly, your children & families have been constantly in my thoughts, my prayers & on my heart. I’ve been flooded with fond memories of our friendship that we shared over the years & this is what’s come from them,” she posted on Instagram on Feb. 26.
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She continued by reflecting on the legacy Van Der Beek leaves behind. “Whether 1 on 1, at a party, an event, or in your art, you’ve always shared your light through: your humor & laughter, your curiosity, time & energy both in others & the world around you, your ability to be completely present & make others feel welcome & comfortable, your sincerity, friendship, compassion & love.”
Monroe’s post is truly bittersweet as the Dawson’s Creek cast reunited in Sept. 2025, with Van Der Beek noticeably absent. He shared with the cast and fans that he was unable to attend due to a stomach virus, but recorded a video that was played at the Richard Rodgers Theater during the reunion.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” Van Der Beek said in the video. “I can’t believe I don’t get to see my cast mates, my beautiful cast, in person. I wanted to stand on this stage and thank every single person in this theater for being here tonight.” He thanked the cast and crew, adding, “You are the best fans in the world.”
