The iconic actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leery revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer and later shared his health journey publicly
James Van Der Beek, the iconic actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at 48 after an almost three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed his death on Wednesday in a statement shared on Instagram. “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 in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, saying he had been undergoing treatment privately for almost a year before making the news public. In the months that followed, Van Der Beek documented parts of his health journey online, always expressing prayers and gratitude to his wife and six children.
Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, James David Van Der Beek developed an interest in acting at a young age, appearing in school productions before making his professional debut in the off-Broadway play “Finding the Sun.” He landed some small film roles in 1995 and 1996, but was about to explode on the screen and into the hearts of young teens everywhere.
His breakthrough came in 1998 when “Dawson’s Creek” premiered on The WB. Set in a fictional Massachusetts seaside town, the series centered on the friendships and complicated romance of four teenagers. Van Der Beek starred alongside Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson. The show ran for six seasons and became a defining series of late-1990s teen television, and a true millennial favorite.
In September 2025, Van Der Beek was sadly forced to skip the in-person Dawson’s Creek cast reunion charity event (a reading of the series’ pilot) due to health issues and a bout of stomach viruses he contracted amid his cancer battle. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to perform in his place, and Van Der Beek recorded a video that had his fans worried based on his frail appearance.
During and after his time on “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek expanded into film, starring in “Varsity Blues” (for which he won an MTV Movie Award) and appearing in “Scary Movie” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back,” and “Rules of Attraction.” He later took on many television roles, including guest appearances on “Criminal Minds,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
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In later years, Van Der Beek appeared in the CBS series “CSI: Cyber” and the FX drama “Pose,” continuing to work steadily while balancing family life. On his 48th birthday this past March, he reflected on how difficult the last year has been for him battling cancer, trying to balance his family, remain grateful, and shift his priorities. Van Der Beek truly leaned on his family, whom he loved so dearly.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 2.