James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for embodying those formative, angsty teenage years in " Dawson's Creek " and " Varsity Blues ," has died following a diagnosis with colorectal cancer.

Katie Holmes called her late “Dawson’s Creek” co-star James Van Der Beek a “hero” in an emotional open letter posted to Instagram.

The GoFundMe page started by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, has exceeded all expectations.