James Van Der Beek ‘Started Out as a Brat’ on Dawson’s Creek

Dawson’s Creek creator Kevin Williamson remembered James Van Der Beek with an emotional tribute nearly eight months after the actor’s death.

Williamson, 61, paid tribute to Van Der Beek as he received the Hero Award at the Barbara Berlanti Heroes Gala in Santa Monica, California, on Saturday, October 3.

“James Van Beek gave voice to my childhood,” Williamson said of Van Der Beek, who played Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, which was inspired by Williamson’s own youth.

“He was the soul of the show, and anyway, he was the ultimate upgrade,” Williamson continued, per Deadline. “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.”

Williamson went on to quip that Van Der Beek had a “full character arc” during the teen drama’s six-season run while recalling their dynamic on set.

“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,’” Williamson said. “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.”

Williamson said that Van Der Beek’s death in February at age 48 “really knocked me over.” (The actor announced he had been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer in November 2024.)

“I think he’s here with us tonight,” Williamson said. “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.”

Van Der Beek’s death was announced in a statement shared via the actor’s Instagram account on February 11.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the statement said. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

The actor is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek — whom he married in August 2010 — and their six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.