"He was Dawson. He was always questioning every script! I knew him when he was so young. I can remember him coming to audition. As the creator of the show, he recognized they'd found their Dawson right away, but the network and other producers were hesitant. I don't know what they said about him, but they didn't want him. And I was like, 'Are you crazy? What's wrong with you? That's Dawson. Trust me.'"
"The two never lost touch, he says, even at the end. Kimberly was wonderful about that. She was very in touch. The 48-year-old actor died on February 11 after battling colorectal cancer. Only three weeks later, the loss is still raw. Williamson talks about him only haltingly before becoming choked up."
James Van Der Beek and Dawson's Creek creator Kevin Williamson maintained a close relationship throughout their lives, connected by their work on the iconic 1990s drama that ran from 1998 to 2003. Van Der Beek perfectly embodied Dawson Leery, a film-obsessed dreamer who questioned everything and used storytelling to navigate life's complexities. Williamson recognized Van Der Beek's potential immediately during auditions, despite network hesitation, and championed him for the role. The actor's thoughtful nature mirrored his character's introspective qualities, as he constantly questioned scripts and storylines. Even after the show ended, the two remained in touch, with Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly facilitating their connection. Van Der Beek died on February 11 at age 48 after battling colorectal cancer, leaving Williamson grieving the loss of someone he knew from the beginning of his career.
Read at Esquire
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