Reese Witherspoon mourns James Van Der Beek as 'Elle' marks his final TV role

Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, paid tribute after James Van Der Beek died Wednesday following a battle with colorectal cancer that began in August 2023. She said she was "devastated" and called him "an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action," adding, "Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time." Van Der Beek filmed his scenes for Elle last year, and the role will be his final television performance.

The series follows Elle Woods in high school — the character Witherspoon originally played — and Van Der Beek will portray Dean Wilson, described as "the city’s new Mayoral candidate and current school district superintendent." Elle premieres July 1 on Amazon Prime Video.

Friends and former co-stars shared condolences, including Kerr Smith, who wrote, "I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply.

reese witherspoon, jamesvanderbeek, elle, legally blonde, colorectal cancer, amazon prime, dean wilson, high school, july 1, kerr smith