James Van Der Beek, the actor who became a cultural touchstone for a generation as Dawson Leery on the hit series Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. The news, announced on Wednesday, , has sent ripples through Hollywood and beyond.
Van Der Beek’s passing was confirmed in a joint statement posted to his and his wife Kimberly’s Instagram accounts. “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.” A representative also confirmed the news to USA Today and shared a link to a GoFundMe established for the family.
Born on , Van Der Beek rose to prominence with Dawson’s Creek, which premiered in 1998 and ran for six seasons on the WB network. The series, created by Kevin Williamson, captured the anxieties and aspirations of adolescence with a level of earnestness that resonated deeply with young audiences. As Dawson Leery, the aspiring filmmaker at the heart of the show, Van Der Beek embodied a particular brand of sensitive, thoughtful masculinity that defined a generation.
While Dawson’s Creek remains his most iconic role, Van Der Beek’s career spanned decades and encompassed a diverse range of projects. He first gained attention for his role in the 1999 film Varsity Blues, playing Mox, a football player grappling with the pressures of small-town expectations. He continued to work steadily in television and film, appearing in shows like Ally McBeal, Criminal Minds, and, more recently, the CW’s Walker (2024) and Amazon Prime Video’s comedy Overcompensating (2025).
In a testament to his continued drive and passion for his craft, Van Der Beek continued to take on new roles even after his diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in , which he publicly revealed in . He participated in the Fox singing competition The Masked Singer in 2025 and was slated to appear in Amazon Prime’s upcoming prequel to Legally Blonde, titled Elle, as Dean Wilson, a school district superintendent and mayoral candidate.
Van Der Beek’s willingness to share his health journey on social media, even in the face of immense personal challenges, resonated with many. Just two weeks before his death, he posted on social media celebrating the joint birthday of his father and one of his daughters, expressing gratitude for their enduring goodness. This final post, and others like it, offered a glimpse into the actor’s character and his commitment to family.
Colorectal cancer is a significant health concern, with approximately 150,000 Americans diagnosed each year, according to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. One in 24 people worldwide will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime. Van Der Beek’s diagnosis and subsequent battle brought renewed attention to the importance of early detection and preventative screenings.
The actor’s death comes as a shock to many who followed his career and admired his talent. He leaves behind a legacy not only as a gifted performer but also as a husband and father. His impact on popular culture, particularly through Dawson’s Creek, will undoubtedly endure for years to come. The show, with its focus on friendship, love, and the complexities of growing up, captured a specific moment in time and continues to be revisited by audiences today.
In September 2025, Van Der Beek made a surprise appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event in New York City, appearing via video projection due to illness. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read his lines onstage during the event, which benefited F Cancer and Van Der Beek himself. This moment underscored the deep affection and respect held for the actor by his peers and the broader entertainment community.
Details regarding memorial services and further information about the family’s wishes will be shared at a later date, according to the statement released on Instagram. For now, the focus remains on providing privacy and support to Kimberly Van Der Beek and their children as they navigate this difficult time.
