James Van Der Beek’s final role is a prequel to one of the best comedies of the 2000s

James Van Der Beek, the star of Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48. His role as heartthrob Dawson Leery in the beloved show made him an icon of the 1990s and beyond. His final role is a prequel to one of the best comedies of the 2000s.

Van Der Beek’s family confirmed that he died on the morning of February 11. In the year prior, he had been open about having colorectal cancer.

Social media was flooded with tributes to the late star from fans and colleagues alike, including his Dawson’s Creek costar Katie Holmes, who wrote on Instagram: “I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”

While Dawson’s Creek is the project which propelled Van Der Beek to stardom, he’s also known for starring in shows like CSI: Cyber, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, Vampirina, and an unofficial Power Rangers short film. But his final role is a prequel TV series to one of the best comedies of the 2000s.

James Van Der Beek’s final role is in the Legally Blonde prequel

The late star will next be seen in The Gates, a horror movie about a murder in a gated community, in March, but Van Der Beek’s final role is in Prime Video’s Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle. The show starts streaming in July later this year and follows a younger version of Elle Woods, who was originally played by Reese Witherspoon.

It’s set at high school several years before the first movie, which ended up raking in $142 million worldwide and spawning a franchise, which now includes a hit stage show. Van Der Beek was cast in a recurring role as the high school principal, Dean Wilson.

Details from the show also reveal that his character is also running for mayor. Van Der Beek will appear in a recurring role opposite newcomer Lexi Minetree as Elle Woods. Prime Video clearly has faith in the Elle series because it has already been renewed for a second season.

Minetree also paid tribute to Van Der Beek on her Instagram story, writing “Oh James… Words cannot express how much you will be missed. Thank you for your strength of spirit and artistry.”

Meanwhile, Witherspoon also wrote on her story: “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”