The beloved actor had a recurring guest-star role on the series.

Legally Blonde prequel* Elle* pays tribute to late star James Van Der Beek

The beloved actor had a recurring guest-star role on the series.

By Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill

Samantha Highfill is an executive editor at **, where she’s worked for more than 12 years covering television.

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July 1, 2026 12:00 p.m. ET

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James Van Der Beek as Dean Wilson on 'Elle'. Credit:

Kimberley French/Prime Video

- *Legally Blonde* prequel *Elle *is paying tribute to one of its stars.

- The new Prime Video series dedicates an episode to James Van Der Beek.

- Van Der Beek, who died in February, plays superintendent Dean Wilson on the show.

**This post contains spoilers from season 1 of *Elle*.**

The *Elle* team is paying tribute to one of its own.

The *Legally Blonde* prequel series, which follows a teenage Elle Woods (Lexi Minetree) as she navigates life in Seattle, dropped its first season on Prime Video, and it features a special dedication. Specifically, the show's third episode is dedicated to late star James Van Der Beek, who plays superintendent Dean Wilson.

When Elle's father moves her family from sunny Los Angeles to not-so-sunny Seattle, she struggles to fit in — as does her mother, Eva (June Diane Raphael). But there's at least one smiling face to greet the family, and it belongs to beloved local Dean Wilson, who just so happens to be running for mayor. Dean quickly sees potential in Eva's knowledge and asks her to join his campaign.

June Diane Raphael as Eva and James Van Der Beek as Dean on 'Elle'.

Kimberley French/Prime Video

*Elle* is one of Van Der Beek's final projects. The actor was able to finish filming on the series before his death in February of 2026 from colorectal cancer. At the time of his death, *Elle* executive producer Reese Witherspoon posted on social media, saying, "Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. 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."

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Although Van Der Beek is remembered for many projects over his 30-plus-year career, *Elle *wants to make sure it's counted as one of them.

*Elle* is now streaming on Prime Video.

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Source: “EW Comedy”