‘Dawson’s Creek’ creators honor James Van Der Beek at Greg Berlanti’s Heroes Gala
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: James Van Der Beek was remembered by ‘Dawson’s Creek’ creators at Greg Berlanti’s Heroes Gala, launched in 2018 by TV producer Greg Berlanti in honor of his mother, who lost her life due to cancer.
Van Der Beek was 48 when he died in February 2026. He passed away from stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Joshua Jackson praises Kevin Williamson for supporting James Van Der Beek and his family
At the Saturday, October 3, event, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ creator Kevin Williamson was given the Barbara Berlanti Hero Award, presented by the show’s star Joshua Jackson and TV writer-producer Julie Plec.
Hailing Williamson for his support to Van Der Beek after his diagnosis, Jackson said, as per The Deadline, “In the days before we went on stage to do this reading to support James, his health took a turn, and Kevin opened up not only his heart for making sure that everybody was okay, but also his wallet to make sure that we were able to honor James and honor his family at this event in truly the most amazing way possible.”
Kevin Williamson calls James Van Der Beek 'the soul' of ‘Dawson’s Creek’
Later, the 61-year-old filmmaker also talked about Beek. “James Van Beek gave voice to my childhood, he was the soul of the show, and anyway, he was the ultimate upgrade,” Williamson said of the late actor, whose character in the hit drama series was inspired by his life.
"Dawson's Creek" creator Kevin Williamson jokes that the late James Van Der Beek "started out as a brat" on the beloved show: “I saw him go from a young kid to an extraordinary man, a husband, a father and a friend. James had a full character arc. He started out as a brat. He would get a script and he would call me, and he would be like, ‘Why do I have to say this word? Nobody knows what this word means.’ And I would say, ‘Well, don’t worry about it, the way you mumble nobody is going to hear it anyway.’ That was that was our relationship — Dawson talking to Dawson.” https://t.co/QeoVM77n61
— Variety (@Variety) October 4, 2026
Williamson continued, “I had the great pleasure of knowing James over many years. I saw him go from a young kid to an extraordinary man — a husband, a father, and a friend,” before reflecting on the past and his bond with Van Der Beek.
Kevin Williamson says James Van Der Beek's 'going to be with us for always'
Williamson added, “James had a full character arc. He started out as a brat. He would get a script and he would call me, and he would be like, ‘Why do I have to say this word? Nobody knows what this word means.’ And I would say, ‘Well, don’t worry about it, the way you mumble, nobody is going to hear it anyway.’ That was our relationship — Dawson talking to Dawson.”
The screenwriter further noted that Van Der Beek’s death “really knocked me over” while stating, “I think he’s here with us tonight. He’s going to be with us for always. He’s awesome, and so I can’t pretend I’m worthy of any award but I will accept it. I’ll accept it in memory of my mother. I will accept it in the memory of James Van Der Beek, and I will accept it for the entire Dawson’s Creek family.”
