James Van Der Beek, 'Dawson's Creek' Star, Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle
James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his iconic role in the beloved teen drama series "Dawson's Creek," has died at the age of 48 following a courageous fight against colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, December 2, 2026.
Wife's Emotional Statement and Privacy Request
In her emotional post, Kimberly Van Der Beek wrote that her husband "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." She emphasized that there is much to share about his wishes, his profound love for humanity, and the sacredness of time, promising that those details will come in the future. For now, the family has requested peaceful privacy as they grieve the loss of a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey
Van Der Beek first publicly revealed his diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in November 2024. At that time, he explained that he had been undergoing treatment privately while focusing intensely on his health and family. In an Instagram post dated November 3, 2024, he stated, "I've been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before." He expressed deep appreciation for the love and support from fans and loved ones. Throughout his cancer journey, he frequently shared updates on social media, often highlighting his gratitude for his wife and six children.
Rise to Fame with 'Dawson's Creek'
James Van Der Beek rose to international fame in the late 1990s by portraying Dawson Leery, the earnest aspiring filmmaker at the heart of the WB's "Dawson's Creek." The series premiered in 1998 and ran for six successful seasons, becoming a defining teen drama of its era. Set in the fictional Massachusetts seaside town of Capeside, the show also starred Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. Reflecting on the show's impact in 2018 for its 20th anniversary, Van Der Beek wrote, "The little pilot we shot in that small town for that fledgling network aired, changed our lives and launched our careers."
Career Highlights and Later Roles
The success of "Dawson's Creek" catapulted Van Der Beek into teen idol status and led to several notable film roles. He starred as a high school quarterback in the 1999 hit "Varsity Blues" and appeared in popular films such as "Scary Movie" (2000) and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" (2001). After the series ended in 2003, he continued to work steadily in television and film, with guest appearances on shows including:
- "Criminal Minds"
- "Ugly Betty"
- "How I Met Your Mother"
- "One Tree Hill"
- "Medium"
- "Law & Order: Criminal Intent"
In the early 2010s, he earned critical praise for playing a fictionalized version of himself in the ABC sitcom "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23," a self-aware role that allowed him to parody his own fame. Later, he appeared in the CBS procedural "CSI: Cyber" and the FX drama "Pose."
Early Life and Personal Details
Born James David Van Der Beek on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, he began acting as a child and made his professional debut in an off-Broadway production of Edward Albee's "Finding the Sun." His early film credits included "Angus" (1995) and "I Love You, I Love You Not" (1996). Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. He was previously married to actor Heather McComb.
