James Van Der Beek, known for his role on Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48. He had been battling colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he shared publicly last year. While it’s known he had cancer, the specific cause of death hasn’t been released yet.
James Van Der Beek’s family announced his passing this morning on Instagram. They shared that he died peacefully and faced his final days with courage and faith. The family plans to share more about his wishes and values later, but for now, they ask for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
I first really noticed him as Dawson on Dawson’s Creek, and he was so great in that role! But looking back, it’s amazing how much he’s actually been in over the years – he’s worked consistently in movies and on TV for almost thirty years.
He began his film career with roles in movies like Varsity Blues (1999) and The Rules of Attraction (2002), during breaks from his TV series. He famously played himself in Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) and Jay & Silent Bob Reboot (2019), and also made appearances in films like Scary Movie, Texas Rangers, The Big Bang, Backwards, Downsizing, and Bad Hair. On television, he starred in two seasons of the ABC comedy Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, had a recurring role on The CW’s One Tree Hill, and led the single-season medical drama Mercy. His final on-screen appearance will be in Elle, a prequel series to Legally Blonde, debuting on Prime Video on July 1, 2026.
Many people will likely remember him best for his role in the 128 episodes of Dawson’s Creek. He was just 20 years old when creator Kevin Williamson cast him as 15-year-old Dawson Leery. He starred alongside Katie Holmes, who played his on-screen love interest Joey Potter, as well as Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams. The show, set in Capeside, Massachusetts, premiered in 1998 and ran for six seasons.
James Van Der Beek
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2026-02-11 23:07