Meredith Monroe has shared a touching tribute to her late Dawson's Creek co-star James Van Der Beek following his death.

The 56-year-old actress - who played Andie McPhee on the show from 1998 to 2003 - had struggled to find the words to address the passing of her friend from cancer earlier this month, but hasn't been able to stop thinking about James, his wife Kimberly, and their six children.

She wrote on Instagram: "It's been 2 weeks + I still don't know what to say?? Nothing seems right?? James, you, Kimberly, your children + families have been constantly in my thoughts, my prayers + on my heart.

"I've been flooded with fond memories of our friendship that we shared over the years + this is what's come from them -

"Your legacy is your light. Whether 1 on 1, at a party, an event, or in your art you've always shared your light through:

"your humor + laughter

"your curiosity, time + energy both in others + the world around you

"your ability to be completely present + make others feel welcome + comfortable

"your sincerity, friendship, compassion + love (sic)"

Meredith then went on to direct James directly as she expressed her wishes for his family.

She added: "James may the love + community that your light has built worldwide be reflected back infinitely upon your beautiful wife Kimberly, your amazing children + your family.

"God gained an angel far too soon. Rest in peace [white heart emoji](sic)"

Shortly after sharing the post, Dawson's Creek actresses Katie Holmes and Busy Philipps liked the tribute.

Katie previously shared a heartfelt message celebrating James' "journey of a hero".

Katie - who played Joey Potter on Dawson's Creek - shared a hand-written message on Instagram, in which she wrote: "James, thank you. To share 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.

"These are some of the memories, along with laughter, conversations about life, James Taylor songs -- adventures of a unique youth …

"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."

The Logan Lucky actress - who has 19-year-old daughter Suri with ex-husband Tom Cruise - vowed to be there to support James' widow Kimberly and their six children.

She added: "To Kimberly and the children, we are here for you always. And will always be there to shower you with love and compassion."

Katie admitted James' death is a "lot to process".

She wrote: "I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James' journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children. [heart emoji]."

And Busy - who played Audrey Liddell on the show - wrote on Instagram alongside photos of herself and James over the years: "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, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister.

"But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i'll put the link in my stories. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don't know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i'm so grateful for our friendship all these years.[heart emoji].(sic)"