Katie Holmes was seen for the first time since the heartbreaking death of her beloved “Dawson’s Creek” co-star, James Van Der Beek.
The actress showed her strength and resilience during this tumultuous time by still showing up to perform a stage show at the Old Globe in San Diego, Calif., Wednesday night.
In photos obtained by Page Six, Holmes could be seen not missing a beat while portraying the main character in Henrik Ibsen’s “Hedda Gabler.”
We’re told that a devastated Holmes, 47, “didn’t engage with fans waiting for her at the stage door or mention James” at any point throughout the evening.
Following the show, the actress “left discreetly” out of a private exit and drove away.
Page Six has reached out to Holmes for comment but did not immediately hear back.
The performance kicked off just hours after news broke that Van Der Beek, who had been battling stage 3 cancer since August 2023, had died at the age of 48.
After the “Varsity Blues” star’s death, Holmes took to social media to share a touching handwritten message in honor of her late co-star.
“James, thank you. To share a space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression,” she penned.
“These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a unique youth.”
The “First Daughter” star then listed some of Van Der Beek’s best qualities, including “compassion, bravery, selflessness and strength.”
“An appreciation for life with the integrity that life is art — creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a hero,” she added.
Holmes added that she is mourning the loss of Van Der Beek “with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.”
She concluded the message by addressing her late co-star’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their kids, writing, “We are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion.”
Meanwhile, James’ friends created a GoFundMe to help the actor’s family with expenses following his death. Over $1.5 million has been raised at the time of publication.
