Reese Witherspoon 'devastated' over death of James Van Der Beek, whose final role is in “Legally Blonde” TV prequel
- - Reese Witherspoon 'devastated' over death of James Van Der Beek, whose final role is in “Legally Blonde” TV prequel
Raechal ShewfeltFebruary 12, 2026 at 5:18 AM
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Reese Witherspoon and James Van Der Beek were both teen stars in the '90s
Gareth Cattermole/Getty; Andrew Toth/Getty
Reese Witherspoon was a big fan of James Van Der Beek.
Following his death Wednesday, the actress and producer shared that she thought highly of Van Der Beek, who, like her, began acting in TV and movies in the '90s.
"Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek," she posted on social media. "What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time."
While both worked on teen classics early in their careers — TV Dawson's Creek and football movie Varsity Blues for him, and movies such as Fear and Cruel Intentions for her — they had recently teamed up.
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Van Der Beek had a recurring guest star role in the upcoming TV series Elle, a prequel to her hit 2001 movie Legally Blonde, in which she played Elle Woods, a bubbly law student with a passion for fashion and a heart of gold.
Witherspoon resumed the part for Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde in 2003, and a third installment has been in the works for years. But Elle, pitched as a series in which the audience can "learn about the life experiences that shaped her into the iconic young woman we came to know and love," has moved forward.
Witherspoon's production company, Hello Sunshine, is producing the project, which will feature the Rules of Attraction star as local schools superintendent Dean Wilson, who is also a candidate for mayor.
The starring role will be played by Lexi Minetree, who's appeared on The Murdaugh Murders and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Reese Witherspoon plays Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde'
Tracy Bennett/MGM
The rest of the cast includes June Diane Raphael and Tom Everett Scott, as Elle's parents Eva and Wyatt, as well as Kayla Maisonet (Stuck in the Middle), Lisa Yamada (Little Fires Everywhere), Chandler Kinney (Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin), Jacob Moskovitz (Y2K), and Logan Shroyer (This Is Us).
Witherspoon previously said that she "truly couldn't be more excited" about the show.
"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," the Oscar winner said in February 2025. "What could be better than that?"
Elle premieres July 1 on Prime Video.
on Entertainment Weekly
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