James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his starring role as Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at age 48, prompting an outpouring of grief and remembrance from fans, colleagues, and friends.
Van Der Beek’s death was announcedon Wednesday in a statement shared on his verified Instagram account. His representative also confirmed the news. The actor had revealed in November 2024 that he was living with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
In the wake of his passing, attention has also turned to his family’s circumstances. Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign seeking financial support, noting that the prolonged medical fight had placed significant strain on the family. The couple shared six children.
Born in 1977 in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek developed an early interest in acting and began pursuing professional auditions as a teenager. His career began in theater before expanding into film roles in the mid-1990s, including appearances in “Angus” and “I Love You, I Love You Not.”
His breakthrough came when he was cast as the lead in “Dawson’s Creek,” which ran from 1998 to 2003 and became a defining series of the era. The show also helped launch the careers of Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams.
Van Der Beek later appeared in a range of films, including “Varsity Blues,” “Texas Rangers,” and “The Rules of Attraction.” He also reached a new audience as a contestant on “Dancing with the Stars” in 2019.
In recent months, Van Der Beek remained open about the toll of cancer treatment, even participating in efforts such as memorabilia auctions to help cover costs. He was also scheduled to attend a “Dawson’s Creek” cast reunion fundraiser, but participated virtually after falling ill.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from former castmates and collaborators, who highlighted his warmth, generosity, and enduring impact.
Van Der Beek is remembered not only for his iconic television role but also for his devotion to family and his willingness to share his struggles publicly, offering encouragement to others facing illness.
Source: CNN