James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame portraying Dawson Leery in the beloved teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. The news was announced on Wednesday, , by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, via a post on the actor’s Instagram account.
“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.” His publicist, Whitney Tancred, also confirmed his death.
Van Der Beek publicly revealed his diagnosis of Stage 3 colorectal cancer in , having initially been diagnosed in . He had spoken openly about his health journey, emphasizing the importance of preventative care and early detection. In , he auctioned items from his career to help cover the costs of treatment.
Born James David Van Der Beek on , the actor became a household name with Dawson’s Creek, which captivated audiences from , to . The series, set in the fictional town of Capeside, followed the lives of a group of teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence, love, and ambition. Alongside co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson, Van Der Beek embodied the earnest and often angst-ridden Dawson Leery, a young aspiring filmmaker.
Prior to his breakthrough role, Van Der Beek appeared in films such as Angus (1995) and I Love You, I Love You Not (1997). Following the conclusion of Dawson’s Creek, he continued to work steadily in both film and television, including a role in the series Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 (2012). More recently, he appeared in Walker (2024) and Overcompensating (2025), and was slated to appear in Amazon Prime Video’s Elle, a prequel to Legally Blonde.
He also embraced reality television, appearing as a masked contestant on Fox’s The Masked Singer in .
Van Der Beek’s personal life was marked by both joy and sorrow. He was married to actress Heather McComb from to , and subsequently married business consultant Kimberly Brook in . Together, they shared six children, and endured the heartbreak of multiple miscarriages.
The news of Van Der Beek’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike. Sarah Michelle Gellar shared a throwback photo on Instagram, describing him as “one of the good guys.” Selma Blair remembered their early days in Hollywood, expressing her admiration and appreciation. Ashton Kutcher simply stated his gratitude for having known and grown with the actor.
Rumer Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, praised Van Der Beek’s devotion as a father and husband, and shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign established to support his family. The campaign, launched to help cover the mounting medical expenses and secure the future of his children, quickly surpassed in donations.
Colorectal cancer is increasingly affecting younger adults, becoming a leading cause of cancer-related deaths for those under 50. Van Der Beek frequently used his platform to raise awareness about the disease, encouraging his followers to prioritize preventative screenings and listen to their bodies.
In a particularly poignant post from , on his 48th birthday, Van Der Beek reflected on what he called “the hardest year” of his life, acknowledging his inability to fully fulfill his roles as a father, husband, and provider during his treatment. However, he also expressed gratitude for the lessons learned, including the importance of asking for help and accepting love.
James Van Der Beek’s legacy extends beyond his on-screen performances. He will be remembered as a talented actor, a devoted family man, and a courageous advocate for health awareness. His passing leaves a void in the entertainment industry and in the hearts of those who admired his work and spirit.
