The “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues” actor passed away months after publicly sharing his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, his family confirmed.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Actor James Van Der Beek, known for his leading roles in the television drama Dawson’s Creek and the film Varsity Blues, has died at the age of 48, his family announced Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” his wife, Kimberly, wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. “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.”
The announcement followed his earlier public disclosure that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. In a previous interview, he revealed in a People cover story that he received the diagnosis at age 46 in 2024.
“I’m very cautiously optimistic. I’m in a place of healing, my energy levels are great,” Van Der Beek said at the time. “When I’ve been out of the woods completely for what feels like a responsible amount of time, I’ll circle back and let you know. I have a lot to live for.”
Van Der Beek rose to national prominence in the late 1990s portraying Dawson Leery on the WB series Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003 and became a defining teen drama of its era. He later appeared in a range of television projects and films, including Varsity Blues, a sports drama that further solidified his status among young audiences at the time.
In addition to scripted roles, he competed on the 28th season of Dancing with the Stars, expanding his presence into reality television. Over the course of his career, he remained active in both film and television productions.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
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