James Van Der Beek, the actor who captured a generation’s heart as Dawson Leery in the seminal teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. The news was confirmed by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, on Wednesday, .
Van Der Beek first announced his diagnosis in November 2024, revealing he had been privately dealing with Stage 3 colorectal cancer since August 2023. He described the experience as “extreme” but also as a catalyst for positive lifestyle changes, telling interviewers he felt “much, much better” than he had months prior.
Born in Cheshire, Connecticut, to a family with a baseball background, Van Der Beek transitioned from his home state to New York to pursue acting. His breakthrough came at the age of 20 when he was cast as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, a series conceived by screenwriter Kevin Williamson, fresh off the success of Scream. Williamson, known for his postmodern approach to horror, sought to apply a similar intelligence to the teen drama genre, and Dawson’s Creek, which premiered on , and ran until , quickly became a cultural touchstone.
The series, which followed the lives of a group of teenagers navigating adolescence, love, and loss, resonated deeply with audiences and launched Van Der Beek, alongside co-stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams, to stardom. Dawson Leery, with his introspective nature and passion for filmmaking, became an iconic figure for a generation.
While Dawson’s Creek defined his early career, Van Der Beek actively sought roles that challenged his typecasting. During hiatuses from the series, he starred in the football drama Varsity Blues (1999), playing the principled quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, and in the Bret Easton Ellis adaptation The Rules of Attraction (2002), showcasing a different side of his acting range. These roles demonstrated his willingness to move beyond the wholesome image cultivated by his role on Dawson’s Creek.
Throughout his career, Van Der Beek continued to work steadily in both television and film, appearing in series such as Pose, CSI: Cyber, Friends With Better Lives, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. He also competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2019. His most recent role was in the Amazon Prime series Elle, a prequel to Legally Blonde, scheduled to premiere later this year.
Kimberly Van Der Beek, in her statement shared on her husband’s Instagram account, described his final days as being met with “courage, faith, and grace.” She requested privacy for the family as they grieve the loss of a “loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike. The actor is survived by his wife and their six children. His legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances, encompassing his advocacy for cancer research, a cause he championed following his diagnosis. He used his platform to raise awareness and encourage early detection, hoping to make a difference in the lives of others facing similar battles.
In September of last year, Van Der Beek stepped down from a planned Dawson’s Creek cast reunion and script reading, with Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping in to fill his place. While the reason at the time was not publicly disclosed, it now becomes clear that his health was already a significant concern.
James Van Der Beek’s death marks the loss of a talented actor and a beloved figure in popular culture. He will be remembered not only for his iconic role as Dawson Leery but also for his courage, his grace, and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Colorectal cancer is the third-most common cancer in the U.S., and his openness about his battle served as a poignant reminder of the importance of preventative care and ongoing research.
