James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.
Family Statement
The actor’s family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt message: “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 his cancer diagnosis in 2024 and had been undergoing treatment since.
Rise to Fame
Van Der Beek shot to stardom in 1998 when Dawson’s Creek premiered on The WB. The series, which ran until 2003, followed a group of high school friends navigating love, friendship, and growing up. With Paula Cole’s I Don’t Want to Wait as its theme song, the show became a cultural phenomenon, making household names of Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams.
Though he starred in films like Varsity Blues and appeared in shows such as CSI: Cyber, Van Der Beek was forever tied to his breakout role. He later embraced the association, even parodying himself in Funny or Die sketches and Kesha’s Blow music video.
Career Beyond Dawson’s Creek
Van Der Beek’s career spanned television, film, and stage. He co-created and starred in Viceland’s satire What Would Diplo Do?, competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2019, and appeared in How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds, and One Tree Hill. He played himself with comic intensity in Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23 and appeared in films such as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Rules of Attraction, and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. In 2025, he surprised fans by competing on The Masked Singer as Griffin, performing covers of John Denver’s Take Me Home, Country Roads and Post Malone’s I Had Some Help.
Legacy
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. His career reflected both the challenges and rewards of early fame. While Dawson’s Creek defined a generation of television, Van Der Beek’s willingness to laugh at himself and embrace new roles ensured his lasting place in pop culture.
