James Van Der Beek, the actor who became a household name in the late 1990s as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48. His family confirmed the news, sharing that he passed peacefully after battling colorectal cancer.
Family Statement
In a heartfelt message, Van Der Beek’s family said: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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.
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Rise to Fame
Van Der Beek’s breakout role came 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.
The series made stars of Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams. His portrayal of Dawson Leery, a Spielberg-obsessed teen, defined a generation of television and cemented his place in pop culture.
Career Beyond Dawson’s Creek
Though forever linked to his iconic role, Van Der Beek built a diverse career. He starred in Varsity Blues, appeared in CSI: Cyber as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo, and took on comedic roles in Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23 and What Would Diplo Do?.
He also appeared in films such as Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Rules of Attraction, and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. In 2019, he competed on Dancing with the Stars, reaching the semifinals, and later surprised fans by appearing on The Masked Singer in 2025 as Griffin. Van Der Beek often leaned into self-parody, embracing his association with Dawson’s Creek while showcasing his comedic side in sketches and music videos.
Legacy and Family
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 of early fame and the resilience to reinvent himself across genres. While Dawson’s Creek remains his defining role, his willingness to laugh at himself and embrace new opportunities ensured his lasting place in Hollywood.
