James Van Der Beek, best known as the titular character on “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at 48, according to a statement from his family posted on Instagram.
While filming the movie [Varsity Blues] Van Der Beek said he asked his costar Jon Voight how he dealt with the constant attention and autograph seeking. “He said, ‘You have such a gift, and that is the gift of being able to make somebody very happy by doing something very simple. All you have to do is sign that paper, give them a little bit of time, look at them, talk to them, and you’ll make them happy. What a gift that is.’ And that made it click for me.”
What a mensch. One tiny example from Vanity Fair (here’s the archive link):
Truly a good guy. Sorry to see him go.