Ali Larter paid a touching tribute to her ‘Varsity Blues’ co-star James Van Der Beek at the 2026 Actor Awards. The event honored his memory just weeks after he passed from colorectal cancer.Ali Larter stepped onto the red carpet at the Actor Awards on March 1, 2026, looking poised in glamorous attire inspired by old Hollywood charm. Reporters from Entertainment Tonight approached her to reflect on James Van Der Beek, her co-star from the 1999 football drama ‘Varsity Blues.’ She shared raw emotion, her voice steady yet filled with warmth. “My heart goes out to Kimberly and his six wonderful children,” Larter said. “He embodied such grace, and that is truly what he offered to the world. My thoughts are with his family during this time.”She went on to describe his final days with profound respect. “I witnessed this man face death with such nobility. He approached the transition like a king.” Her tribute resonated amid the glamour of the event, now streamed live on Netflix, reminding everyone of Van Der Beek’s lasting impact.
James Van Der Beek’s legacy
James Van Der Beek rose to fame as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, captivating audiences in the late 1990s. His role as quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon in ‘Varsity Blues’ showcased his charisma and defiance against small-town pressures. The film, which also starred Paul Walker and Scott Caan, became a cult classic for its raw take on teenage rebellion and sports obsession.In November 2024, Van Der Beek announced his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis on Instagram, facing it publicly with courage. He passed away on February 11, 2026, at age 48, leaving behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. His Dawson’s Creek co-stars, including Katie Holmes, James Humes, and John Wesley Shipp, also mourned him. Holmes shared on Instagram, “James, thank you. Sharing a space with your imagination was sacred.”
Tributes from fellow stars
The Actor Awards served as a collective moment of reflection. Other ‘Varsity Blues’ castmates, like Eliel Swinton, recalled reaching out to Van Der Beek before his death, sensing his struggle. Larter’s message stood out for its intimacy, highlighting the bond formed on set over 25 years ago.Fans and peers alike celebrated James Van Der Beek’s grace under pressure. His battle inspired conversations about men’s health and early cancer detection.