Dawson’s Creek actress Mary-Margaret Humes marks Father’s Day with tribute to James Van Der Beek

Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Gail Leery on the TV series Dawson’s Creek, shares a Father’s Day tribute to actor James Van Der Beek. Humes’ post reflects on Van Der Beek’s role on the show and describes her grief following his death earlier this year. Both outlets report that Van Der Beek died in February at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. They also note that Humes is still mourning, framing the tribute as a personal acknowledgement of what would be the occasion for celebrating fathers. The coverage focuses on the timing of the message—Father’s Day—and on Humes’ connection to Van Der Beek both professionally, through their work on Dawson’s Creek, and personally, through her ongoing loss.