“SOME FRIENDSHIPS STAY WITH YOU FOREVER”: REESE WITHERSPOON BREAKS HER SILENCE AS SHE MOURNS JAMES VAN DER BEEK AND REFLECTS ON WHAT WILL NOW BE REMEMBERED AS ONE OF HIS FINAL PERFORMANCES

A visibly emotional Reese Witherspoon is speaking out as she honors James Van Der Beek, sharing just how deeply his loss has affected her at a time when audiences were preparing to see him return in what was meant to be a heartfelt new chapter for the Legally Blonde universe. According to those close to the upcoming prequel, his appearance was designed to serve as a nostalgic bridge between eras — a moment of warmth that longtime fans would instantly recognize. Instead, it now carries a far heavier meaning. Cast and crew members have described the atmosphere on set as joyful and full of laughter, making the news all the more difficult to process. Witherspoon, long protective of the franchise’s legacy, reportedly reached out privately to his family while also paying tribute publicly, remembering him as a performer who brought sincerity, charm, and quiet depth to every scene. As fans revisit his journey from teen drama star to respected actor, this final role is being seen in an entirely new light — a poignant farewell that few were prepared for. A touching video tribute is included below, capturing the moments that made him unforgettable.

Reese Witherspoon shared a tribute to James Van Der Beek, whose last onscreen role will be in the upcoming “Legally Blonde” prequel TV series, “Elle.”

Van Der Beek died Wednesday after battling colorectal cancer since August 2023. The actor shot his scenes for “Elle” last year, and it will mark his final performance in a TV series.

Witherspoon, who’s an executive producer on “Elle,” shared on her Instagram Stories that she was “devastated” to hear about Van Der Beek’s death.

“What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,” she wrote alongside a picture of him.

Reese Witherspoon shared she was “devastated” over James Van Der Beek’s death after the actor battled colorectal cancer. Instagram/Reese Witherspoon

Van Der Beek’s last TV role will be in “Elle,” the “Legally Blonde” TV prequel series. ©MGM/Courtesy Everett Collection
“Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time,” she added.

“Elle” will follow Elle Woods — the iconic main character from “Legally Blonde” that was originally played by Witherspoon — during her high school years.

Van Der Beek will play Dean Wilson in the prequel. His character is described as “the city’s new Mayoral candidate and current school district superintendent,” according to Variety.

“Elle” premieres July 1 on Amazon Prime Video.

Witherspoon shared that Van Der Beek was “an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.” Penske Media via Getty Images

She also said she was “praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.” Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via G

Since Van Der Beek’s passing, there has been an outpouring of love from his past co-stars and friends, including “Dawson’s Creek” stars Kerr Smith and Busy Philipps.

Smith, who portrayed Jack McPhee in Seasons 2 through 6, wrote on Instagram, “I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”

Philipps, who joined “Dawson’s Creek” as Audrey Liddell at the beginning of Season 5 in 2001 and also reunited with the actor for the Season 2 premiere of “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” shared, “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today … every person who knew James and loved him. But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children.”

Kimberly announced her husband’s death on Wednesday, noting that he “passed peacefully.”

Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, shared six children together: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3. vanderjames/Instagram

Van Der Beek’s friends and past co-stars have shared touching tributes to him following his death, and a GoFundMe was set up for his family. Variety via Getty Images
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she shared. “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.”

James and Kimberly were married for 15 years and shared six children together: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3.

The couple’s friends created a $500K GoFundMe to help Kimberly and the kids, due to the family being put under financial strain from the medical bills associated with James’ illness.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the GoFundMe’s page reads. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.”

“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” the page continues.