Katie Holmes has paid tribute to her former Dawson’s Creek co-star Obi Ndefo following his death aged 51.
The actress, 45, took to her Instagram Stories to reshare a snap posted by her other co-star, Mary-Margaret Humes, 70, writing: “He was wonderful to work with and is such a kind man.”
“I send prayers and blessings to his family. Rest in peace,” the actress added along with a heart emoji.
Ndefo appeared on Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2002, where he played Holmes’s character’s brother-in-law, Bodie Wells.
Earlier in the day, Mary-Margaret, who played Dawson Leery’s mother in the hit teen drama alongside Katie, James Van Der Beek and Joshua Jackson, also praised Obi as a “dear friend” after it was revealed he had died.
Katie Holmes, 45, paid tribute to her former Dawson’s Creek co-star Obi Ndefo following his death at age 51; seen in June in New York
Ndefo appeared on Dawson’s Creek from 1998 to 2002, where he played Holmes’s character Bodie Wells’ brother-in-law; they are seen in a 1998 still from the show.
His sister Nkem Ndefo announced his death on Facebook on Saturday (31.08.24), saying: “I am heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing that he is finally at peace.”
In her tribute on Instagram, Mary-Margaret wrote: “These words do not come easily to me. I find it difficult to conceive that you have left us, dear friend.”
“You always were and always will be a shining light. What an example of pure love and tenacity you set in facing life’s challenges in recent times.”
“I will cherish all the messages of love and support we have sent each other over the past few years. Rest in peace sweet warrior.” Mary-Margaret accompanied her tribute with a video of him and his “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars and a throwback selfie of her with the actor.
Obi’s character appeared on and off the show before settling in the Capeside community with his family.
Announcing his passing, his sister also shared a photo of herself and Obi smiling together.
The cause of the actor’s death is still unknown.
Obi’s death comes after he lost both of his legs after being hit by a car in August 2019, following a trip to a supermarket in Los Angeles, and after returning from teaching a yoga class.
The actor was loading groceries into his parked pickup truck when he was hit by a hit-and-run driver who fled the scene after the accident, leaving Obi with his left leg dangling and his right leg completely amputated. He lost his left leg while recovering from the horrific incident.
Obi’s acting career began after studying theater at Yale University.
The actress took to her Instagram Stories to share a snap posted by her other co-star, Mary-Margaret Humes, 70, and wrote: “He was wonderful to work with and he’s such a kind man.”
Earlier in the day, Mary-Margaret paid tribute to Obi by calling him a “bright light” and shared this snap of herself with Obi in the post.
His sister Nkem Ndefo (left) announced his death on Facebook on Saturday (31.08.24), saying: “I am heartbroken at the loss of my younger brother and knowing he is finally at peace.”
The cause of the actors’ deaths is unknown at this time.
He lost both legs in a hit-and-run accident in August 2019.
The actor has also appeared in episodes of The West Wing, NYPD Blue, Crossing Jordan and The District.
Dawson’s Creek revolved around the lives of a group of friends growing up in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts; (l-r) Michelle Williams, James Van Der Beek, Joshua Jackson and Katie in a 1999 image.
She then founded the Los Angeles-based Arts Alliance for Humanity, a nonprofit group that supports arts education in public schools and communities.
In addition to becoming a yoga teacher despite having both legs amputated, Obi, a lifelong fitness fanatic, was also a writer.
Dawson’s Creek revolved around the lives of a group of friends growing up in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts.
It followed main characters Dawson Leery (Van Der Beek), an aspiring filmmaker; Joey Potter (Holmes), his best friend and love interest; Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) and Pacey Witter (Jackson).
In addition to ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ Obi’s other notable television appearances include roles on the shows ‘Angel,’ ‘The West Wing,’ ‘Stargate SG-1,’ ‘3rd Rock from the Sun’ and ‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.’
