Reese Witherspoon devastated after James Van Der Beek's death, honors his final TV role

Reese Witherspoon is mourning James Van Der Beek and honoring the kindness he showed throughout his life. After news of his death on Wednesday, the actor and producer shared an emotional tribute and reminded fans that their paths crossed from the earliest days of their careers to his recent work on the television prequel to 'Legally Blonde.'

Tribute to James Van Der Beek

According to her post, first reported by her production company Hello Sunshine, Witherspoon wrote, "Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. She prayed that all the angels would watch over his family during this difficult time.




Both performers broke out in the 1990s. He became a household name on Dawson's Creek and in the football drama 'Varsity Blues.' She built her early film career with roles in 'Fear' and 'Cruel Intentions.' Years later, their work came together again.

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'Elle' prequel casting and legacy

As reported by Entertainment Weekly, Van Der Beek recently shot a recurring guest role in 'Elle,' a series that looks back at the younger years of Elle Woods, the character Witherspoon made famous in the 2001 hit 'Legally Blonde.' She returned for the sequel 'Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde,' and a third film has been in development for years.

The new show is moving ahead. The story promises viewers a chance to learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love.

Witherspoon’s company is producing. Van Der Beek was set to appear as school superintendent Dean Wilson, who is also running for mayor. Lexi Minetree will play the title role. The cast also includes June Diane Raphael, Tom Everett Scott, Kayla Maisonet, Lisa Yamada, Chandler Kinney, Jacob Moskovitz, and Logan Shroyer.

Witherspoon has spoken warmly about the project before. She said she truly couldn't be more excited and added, "Fans will get to know how Elle Woods navigated her world as a teenager with her distinct personality and ingenuity, in ways that only our beloved Elle could do. What could be better than that?"

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