United Kingdom, Feb. 12 -- Katie Holmes has celebrated James Van Der Beek's "journey of a hero".

The 47-year-old actress will always have "deep gratitude" for having had her Dawson's Creek co-star in her life following his death at the age of 48 after battling cancer.

Katie 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 ...