American actor James Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11 after battling colorectal cancer for the past three years. 

Van Der Beek left behind a wife and six children, ranging in age from four to 15 years-old.

He had an extensive career, starting in the theater. After a few stage productions, Van Der Beek scored an academic scholarship to Drew University in New Jersey where he did two years of school before landing a role in the 1995 film “Angus.”

Van Der Beek did not really have much of a break out until landing his role in “Dawson’s Creek” in 1998. Van Der Beek played the lead character, Dawson Leery, in the popular show. The drama aired through 2003. In the midst of the success of “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek landed another lead role in 1999, this time in the movie “Varsity Blues.”

Van Der Beek’s costars and friends have come out and offered their support to his widow, Kimberly. 

Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” co-star Katie Holmes took to Instagram where she shared a hand written letter addressed to Van Der Beek. Holmes said, “I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on me.”