James Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars paid tribute to the actor following his death Wednesday at age 48.

Van Der Beek starred on the teen television drama for six seasons as Dawson Leery and became a pop culture icon.

“My heart is deeply hurt for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of knowing him.” wrote actor Busy Phillips, who played Audrey Liddell, Dawson’s college friend. in an Instagram post. “James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and will always be missed.”

James Van Der Beek was remembered by his co-stars on the groundbreaking teen television drama.
James Van Der Beek was remembered by his co-stars on the groundbreaking teen television drama.

Isaac Brekken via Getty Images

Katie Holmes, who played Dawson’s best friend Joey Potter, shared a handwritten note on social media, adding that the news has “a lot to process.”

“Courage. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the actions taken to live life with the integrity that life is art – creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children – a hero’s journey. I mourn this loss with a heart that holds the reality of his absence and a deep gratitude for his imprint on her,” Holmes wrote.

Actress Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother, described Van Der Beek as a “kind warrior” and praised his “quiet strength and dignity” as he went through treatment for colorectal cancer.

“Our last conversations… just a few days ago… will always be kept softly in my heart to keep safe.” she wrote on Instagram.

Cast members Kerr Smith, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes attended the celebration of the 100th episode of
Cast members Kerr Smith, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, James Van Der Beek and Katie Holmes attended the celebration of the 100th episode of “Dawson’s Creek” at the Museum of Television and Radio in New York City in 2002.

Evan Agostini via Getty Images

Actor Kerr Smith, who played Jack McPhee, a friend of Dawson, and actor Chad Michael Murray, who played Charlie Todd, a romantic interest for multiple characters, also remembered Van Der Beek in the Instagram comments on his family’s post announcing his death.

“I am very grateful to be able to call James my brother. I will miss him deeply” Smith wrote.

“James was a giant“Murray added.”His words, his art, and his humanity inspired us all; “He inspired us to be better in every way.”

The show’s official social media account also honored Van Der Beek’s role on the show and described his performance as one that “He helped define a generation of television.”

Other notable actors who starred alongside Van Der Beek in the teen television drama were Joshua Jackson, who played close friend Pacey Witter, and Michelle Williams, who played neighbor Jen Lindley.

Van Der Beek’s family announced his death via his Instagram account on Wednesday.

“He faced his final days with courage, faith and grace.“the family said in the statement.”There is much to share about your desires, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend..”