James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star and Beloved Actor, Dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star and Beloved Actor, Dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his breakthrough role as Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48, his family confirmed in a statement.

Van Der Beek’s passing on February 11, 2026, follows a public battle with colorectal cancer, which he revealed in 2024 after a routine medical screening. In a message shared on social media, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, said he “passed peacefully this morning” and faced his final days with “courage, faith, and grace.”

Born James David Van Der Beek on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, he rose to prominence in the late 1990s as the earnest, aspiring filmmaker at the center of Dawson’s Creek, which aired for six seasons and became a defining series for a generation of viewers.

Over a career spanning more than three decades, Van Der Beek appeared in television and film, including roles in Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction, How I Met Your Mother, CSI: Cyber, and the Disney Junior animated series Vampirina. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars, reaching the semifinals in 2019.

Van Der Beek shared six children with his wife, Kimberly, and was known for his warmth, humor, and engagement with fans. In recent years, he openly discussed his cancer journey and used his platform to raise awareness about screenings and health.

His family’s statement acknowledged the depth of his love for humanity and asked for privacy as they grieve their “loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

James Van Der Beek’s work left an enduring mark on television and film, and he will be remembered for the characters he brought to life and the lives he touched both on and off the screen.