‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle

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Los Angeles: James Van Der Beek, the actor who became a defining face of late-1990s television with his role in the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48, his family announced on Wednesday. The news was shared in a statement on Instagram, saying Van Der Beek “passed peacefully this morning” after a prolonged illness.

The family’s message described his final days as lived with “courage, faith and grace,” and asked for privacy as they grieve their husband, father, son, brother and friend. The statement added that more about his life and legacy would be shared at a later time.

Van Der Beek had publicly revealed in 2024 that he was battling colorectal cancer, which he had been treated for since 2023. He made several appearances in recent years reflecting on his health and continued creative work, including via video at a charity Dawson’s Creek reunion event.

Born in Connecticut, Van Der Beek became a household name as Dawson Leery, the introspective aspiring filmmaker at the centre of Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The show’s frank dialogue and emotional depth helped it strike a chord with young viewers and cemented his place in pop culture.

Beyond that role, he appeared in films such as Varsity Blues and on television in series like CSI: Cyber and Don’t Trust the B- in Apartment 23. He also embraced comedic self-parody, gaining additional recognition later in his career.

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. Tributes have poured in from co-stars and peers alike, praising his talent, warmth and impact on both fans and colleagues.