Michelle Williams and Thomas Kail Enjoy Rare Family Outing in New York City
Actress Michelle Williams and her husband, director Thomas Kail, were observed on a rare family outing in New York City this Thursday, accompanied by two of their children. This public appearance marks only the second time Williams has been seen since the heartbreaking passing of her Dawson's Creek co-star and dear friend, James Van Der Beek, who died on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer.
Family Stroll Amidst Chilly Weather
The 45-year-old actress, bundled up against the chill in a fleece-lined coat, was joined by Kail, 49, who stayed warm in a black coat. The ultra-private couple had two of their three children with them: their son Hart, born in 2020, and their second child together, born in 2022, whose name remains undisclosed. The family also welcomed a baby girl via surrogate in April of last year. Additionally, Williams has a 20-year-old daughter, Matilda, from her previous relationship with the late actor Heath Ledger.
During the outing, Kail took charge of pushing the stroller while young Hart toddled alongside them. This family moment follows Williams' significant achievement at the 32nd Annual Actor Awards on March 1, where she won Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series for her role as Molly Kochan in Dying for Sex.
Public Appearances Since Co-Star's Death
Williams' appearance at the star-studded awards ceremony in Los Angeles was her first public outing since Van Der Beek's death. In a conversation with ET, she expressed that he was constantly on her mind. I’m thinking about him and I’m thinking about his family constantly, she told the outlet. She praised the overwhelming response to the GoFundMe page established to support Van Der Beek's family, stating, It’s an incredibly meaningful thing to witness.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four. The fundraising page, initially set with a $500,000 goal, has remarkably surpassed $2.7 million through more than 46,000 donations.
Support for the Van Der Beek Family
A description on the GoFundMe site highlighted the family's challenges: In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James's medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. It further explained that donations would help cover essential living expenses, bills, and the children's education, providing hope and security during this difficult period.
Williams' close bond with Kimberly Van Der Beek, along with fellow Dawson's Creek stars Busy Philipps and Katie Holmes, was evident in a September 2025 Instagram post. Following Van Der Beek's cancer diagnosis in the fall of 2024, Williams maintained contact with her co-star, telling ET in an April 2025 interview, We’re in contact, and he’s in our hearts and our minds, and he knows that. And we're here for him in every and all ways.
Dawson's Creek Reunion for a Cause
Last summer, Williams organized a Dawson's Creek reunion at the Richard Rodgers Theater in New York City to benefit the nonprofit F Cancer. Reflecting on their enduring connection, she said, We grew up in Capeside and that's a bond that will last a lifetime. We wanted to gather around our dear friend James and remind him that we are all here. We always have been and we always will be. And I know the fans of Dawson’s Creek feel the same way.
This rare family outing underscores Williams' commitment to both her personal life and her support for Van Der Beek's legacy, blending moments of normalcy with ongoing tributes to her late friend.
