James Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars paid tribute to the actor following his death on Wednesday at 48.

Van Der Beek starred in the teen TV drama for six seasons as Dawson Leery, and became a pop culture icon.

“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today … every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him,” actor Busy Phillips, who played Audrey Liddell, a college friend of Dawson’s, wrote in an Instagram post. “James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.”

Katie Holmes, who portrayed Dawson’s best friend Joey Potter, shared a handwritten note on social media, adding that the news “is a lot to process.”

“Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength. An appreciation for life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero. I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it,” Holmes wrote.

Actor Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mom, described Van Der Beek as a “gracious warrior” and praised his “quiet strength and dignity” as he navigated treatment for colorectal cancer.

“Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping,” she wrote on Instagram.

Actor Kerr Smith, who portrayed Jack McPhee, a friend of Dawson’s, and actor Chad Michael Murray, who played Charlie Todd, a romantic interest for multiple characters, also remembered Van Der Beek in Instagram comments on his family’s post announcing his death.

“I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply,” wrote Smith.

“James was a giant,” added Murray. “His words, art and humanity inspired all of us — he inspired us to be better in all ways.”

The official social media account for the show also honored Van Der Beek’s role on the program, describing his performance as one that “helped define a generation of television.”

Other prominent actors who starred alongside Van Der Beek in the teen TV drama included Joshua Jackson, who played close friend Pacey Witter, and Michelle Williams, who played neighbor Jen Lindley.

Van Der Beek’s family announced his death via his Instagram account on Wednesday.

“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the family said in the statement. “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.”

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