James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leery in the beloved 1990s series Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 after battling colorectal cancer. The news was announced today, , by his family, who shared a statement expressing their grief and celebrating his courage.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the family 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 publicly revealed his diagnosis in , sharing with fans that he was “privately dealing” with cancer and “taking steps to resolve it.” He later specified to People magazine that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer after a routine colonoscopy the previous year. The diagnosis prompted a period of intense reflection and a re-prioritization of his life, focusing on his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
Dawson’s Creek, which aired for six seasons from to , was a defining cultural touchstone of its era. The series, centered on a group of teenagers navigating adolescence, launched the careers of Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams. Van Der Beek’s portrayal of Dawson Leery, a young aspiring filmmaker, resonated with audiences and cemented his status as a teen idol.
While Dawson’s Creek remained his most iconic role, Van Der Beek continued to work steadily in television and film throughout his career. He appeared in films such as Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction, and took on roles in television series including Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, and Pose. His versatility as an actor allowed him to explore a range of characters and genres.
The actor’s health struggles became more publicly known in , leading him to miss a Dawson’s Creek reunion event organized to support him and the charity F Cancer in . At the time, the absence was attributed to two stomach viruses, but it now becomes clear that his ongoing cancer treatment played a significant role.
Van Der Beek’s openness about his cancer journey resonated with many, and he spoke candidly about the challenges of navigating the disease while balancing his personal and professional life. In an interview with Good Morning America in , he described the “full-time job” of managing appointments, insurance, and medical portals, while also acknowledging the emotional toll it took on him. He also expressed a determination to find positive changes and growth amidst the difficulty.
“I’m going to make changes that I never would have made otherwise, that I’m going to look back on in 30 years and say, ‘Thank God this happened,’” he shared. “So, what can I do right now in order to make that the case?”
The news of Van Der Beek’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike, remembering him not only for his talent but also for his warmth, humor, and genuine spirit. His legacy as a beloved actor and a courageous individual will undoubtedly endure.
