James Van Der Beek, the actor who became a cultural touchstone for a generation as Dawson Leery on the beloved teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48. His passing, announced on Wednesday, , follows a recent diagnosis of Stage 3 colorectal cancer.
The news was shared via a post on Van Der Beek’s official Instagram account, expressing the family’s grief and requesting privacy. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the statement read. “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 publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024, sharing his journey with fans through regular updates on Instagram. He spoke openly about the challenges of treatment and the importance of family support during a difficult time. Even while undergoing treatment, he continued to pursue his acting career, demonstrating a dedication to his craft that resonated with many.
Born James David Van Der Beek on , in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek’s breakthrough role came with Dawson’s Creek, which premiered in 1998. The series, created by Kevin Williamson, captured the anxieties and aspirations of adolescence with a level of emotional honesty that set it apart from other teen dramas of the era. As Dawson Leery, an aspiring filmmaker navigating the complexities of first love and friendship, Van Der Beek quickly became a teen idol, appearing on magazine covers and attracting a devoted following.
The show ran for six seasons, becoming a defining cultural artifact of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Van Der Beek himself reflected on the show’s impact in a 2018 Instagram post marking its 20th anniversary, noting how a small pilot filmed in a small town “changed our lives and launched our careers.”
While Dawson’s Creek remains his most iconic role, Van Der Beek maintained a consistent presence in film and television throughout his career. He appeared in the 1998 football drama Varsity Blues, alongside Jon Voight and James Franco, solidifying his appeal to a broader audience. His film credits also include Texas Rangers (2001), The Rules of Attraction (2002), Formosa Betrayed (2009), Labor Day (2013), and Bad Hair (2020).
On television, Van Der Beek demonstrated a willingness to embrace diverse roles, from a fictionalized version of himself in the cult ABC sitcom Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 (2012-2013) to FBI Agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber (2015-2016) and Matt Bromley on the first season of the FX drama Pose (2018). More recently, he appeared on the CW’s Walker (2024) and Amazon Prime Video’s comedy Overcompensating (2025), and even participated in Fox’s The Masked Singer (2025).
In a 2025 interview, Van Der Beek spoke about how his cancer diagnosis had rekindled his passion for acting. “I love to tell stories,” he said. “Acting is actually a real passion. Writing is a real passion, and I need to feed that.” He had also signed on to Amazon Prime’s Elle, a prequel to Legally Blonde, as Dean Wilson, a school district superintendent and mayoral candidate, demonstrating his continued commitment to new projects even while facing health challenges.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Brook Van Der Beek, and their six children. His death marks a significant loss for the entertainment industry and for the many fans who grew up with him and his work. He leaves behind a legacy not only as a talented actor but also as a figure who navigated the complexities of fame with grace and, in recent years, with a remarkable openness about his personal struggles.
Details regarding memorial arrangements have not yet been announced, as the family requests privacy during this difficult time.
