James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, has died aged 48 following a battle with cancer.
His family confirmed the news on Wednesday (February 11), marking the loss of an actor who soundtracked an entire generation’s awkward, emotional coming of age years.
In a statement shared to Instagram, his family wrote:
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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 revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer at age 46, speaking to People at the time, he admitted the diagnosis blindsided him (per Billboard).
“I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles,” he said. “But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time.”
He first noticed changes in 2023 but initially suspected his diet, a precautionary colonoscopy confirmed colorectal cancer. Even then, he remained hopeful, telling People, “I have a lot to live for.”
Throughout treatment, Van Der Beek used his platform to encourage people to seek medical advice and get screened early, it was a quieter but arguably more important chapter of his public life.
Beyond Dawson’s Creek
Van Der Beek appeared in films including Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction, and made guest turns on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, One Tree Hill, and Ugly Betty. Music fans will also remember his surreal cameo in Kesha’s 2011 video for ‘Blow’, where he traded laser shots with the pop star in a glitter drenched dancefloor showdown.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwen and Jeremiah.
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