FILE – James Van Der Beek attends the FOX Winter Press Day in Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2024. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
Richard Shotwell/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP
James Van Der Beek, the star of “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues” who called Austin home, died on Wednesday according to a post made to his social media accounts.
Best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery on the WB drama “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek became one of the defining faces of late-1990s teen television. The series, which ran from 1998 to 2003, helped launch the careers of several young actors and cemented his place in pop culture.
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“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the post read. “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.”
In the years that followed, Van Der Beek moved between film and television, starring as a small-town quarterback in “Varsity Blues” and later embracing self-parody in ABC’s “Don’t Trust the (expletive) in Apartment 23,” where he played himself.
What type of cancer did James Van Der Beek have?
The actor revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024, according to the Associated Press. Van Der Beek was diagnosed in the summer of 2023.
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FILE – James Van Der Beek attends the Broadway opening night of “Girl From The North Country” in New York on March 5, 2020. (Photo by Greg Allen/Invision/AP, File)
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What have celebrities said about James Van Der Beek’s death?
Chad Michael Murray, who appeared alongside Van Der Beek during the height of the WB era, wrote under the post: “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us — he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you.”
Other stars like Olivia Munn, Tyler Posey and Jenna Dewan left comments on the Instagram post announcing Van Der Beek’s death.
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A GoFundMe campaign launched following his death described Van Der Beek as “a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him.” It said he died after a “long and courageous battle with cancer,” leaving behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
According to the fundraiser, the family faced significant financial strain during his illness as they sought treatment and care.The campaign notes that the costs of medical care and extended treatment left the family financially depleted.
FILE – Actors Ali Larter, left, poses with co-stars James Van Der Beek, center, and Amy Smart at the premiere of “Varsity Blues” in Los Angeles on Jan. 7, 1999.
Chris Pizzello/AP
James Van Der Beek’s life in Austin
More recently, Van Der Beek has been part of projects filmed in Texas, including appearances connected to the Austin-based production of “Walker.” His relocation to the Hill Country in 2020 drew attention at a time when a wave of entertainment figures and tech executives were moving to the state, citing lifestyle changes.
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Van Der Beek has publicly described the move as an effort to prioritize family life.
Where to watch ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ ‘Varsity Blues’
“Dawson’s Creek” is available to stream on Tubi, Disney+, Hulu and Netflix and available to rent or purchase on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video and Fandango at Home.
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“Varsity Blues” is available to watch for free on Pluto TV or with a subscription on Paramount+, YouTube, The Roku Channel and Amazon Prime Video. It’s available to rent or buy on Google Play, Apple TV and Fandango at Home.