Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his leading role on the iconic WB drama Dawson’s Creek, died Wednesday at the age of 48 following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. His family confirmed his death in a statement shared on Instagram.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the statement read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek received a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2023 and publicly disclosed it in 2024. He spoke openly about his treatment and encouraged early screening and prevention, using his platform to raise awareness about the disease. In interviews, he described the diagnosis as a “lowest point,” saying it challenged his sense of identity as a father, husband and provider, but he found strength in love and resilience.
The actor rose to prominence in 1998 as the earnest, introspective Dawson Leery, at the center of Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons until 2003. The series helped define late-1990s teen television and established Van Der Beek as one of the era’s most recognizable young actors.
He expanded his career with a leading role in the 1999 cult sports film Varsity Blues and later appeared in television series including Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, Pose, Mercy, and Friends With Better Lives. His film credits also included The Rules of Attraction, Labor Day, and Texas Rangers. His final screen appearance came in 2025’s Sidelined 2: Intercepted.
James also participated in a virtual Dawson’s Creek reunion last year to help raise funds for cancer charities, continuing to support causes important to him during his illness. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah, who stood beside him throughout his fight.
Van Der Beek leaves behind a body of work that shaped a generation of television viewers and remains closely associated with one of the defining teen dramas of its era. Colleagues and fans remember him for the sincerity and vulnerability he brought to his performances.
Rest in peace, James Van Der Beek.
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