In a heart-tugging tribute that might make even Dawson cry by the creek (if, you know, he still hangs out there), Katie Holmes is paying her respects to former co-star Obi Ndefo, who has sadly taken his final bow at the age of 51.
The heartbreaking news broke faster than Pacey’s questionable haircuts on a Saturday (August 31), when Obi’s sister delivered the announcement via Facebook, the platform for family updates and, apparently, sad news. Obi, known for his stellar yoga skills and TV appearances, left the world—hopefully in a super peaceful downward dog pose.
But the next day, the ever-graceful Katie, now 45 (because yes, even Dawson’s Creek stars age), hopped onto Instagram, not to drop a selfie or smoothie recipe, but to honor Obi. She shared a screenshot from fellow Dawson’s Creek star Mary-Margaret Humes, and penned a message sweet enough to make even Joey Potter smile in her signature ’90s angst: “He was wonderful to work with and such a kind man,” she said, which is basically Hollywood speak for, “He never stole my lunch from the craft services table.”
Katie, not one for long-winded speeches or dramatic monologues (except when Dawson was involved), kept it classy and sincere. She added, “I send prayers and grace to his family,” before ending with the ultimate farewell: “Rest in Peace.” Simple. Poignant. Almost like a scene from, you guessed it, Dawson’s Creek.
In case your memory’s a little foggy (or you missed the Dawson’s Creek craze because you were too busy pretending to understand The X-Files), Obi played Bodie Wells, boyfriend to Joey’s older sister, Bessie Potter. That’s right, he was Joey’s almost brother-in-law! From 1998 to 2002, Obi appeared in the beloved teen drama, alongside enough flannel shirts to make a lumberjack weep.
Now, while further details about Obi’s passing haven’t emerged (cue the mystery music), what we do know is that his spirit lives on, especially in the hearts of his Dawson’s Creek family—and perhaps, somewhere, in an eternal creekside sunset.
To Obi’s loved ones, we’re sending all the hugs and virtual Dawson-style tears. Rest easy, Obi. You’ll always be the Bodie of our hearts.
