James Van Der Beek: Dawson’s Creek actor dies aged 48Your support helps us to tell the story
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James Van Der Beek’s death at 48 has prompted an outpouring of tributes from family, friends and fans after the news was announced Wednesday.
The Dawson’s Creek actor’s death comes after he revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children together. Kimberly wrote in a tribute 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.”
Fellow celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Lin Manuel Miranda shared tributes to van Der Beek, including his Dawson’s Creek costar Busy Phillips, who described him as “one in a billion.”
“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today… every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness,” Phillips wrote.
James Van Der Beek dropped out of uni to star in ‘Dawson’s Creek’
The actor auditioned for Dawson’s Creek in 1997 and dropped out of Drew University after securing the lead as Dawson Leery.
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James Van Der Beek, who has died at 48, played the introspective title character in teen drama ‘Dawson’s Creek’ from its debut in 1998 (Getty Images)
The show was picked up by the WB Network and, when it premiered, it became an instant success, portraying the angst and innocence of adolescence in a fictional Massachusetts town.
He was 20 years old when he began filming the show – five years older than the 15-year-old character he was portraying.
(Getty Images)
Jacob Stolworthy12 February 2026 10:45
Katie Holmes pays tribute to ‘Dawson’s Creek’ co-star
Katie Holmes has shared a handwritten note she wrote in tribute to her “beloved” Dawson’s Creek co-star James Van Der Beek.
The actor starred opposite Van Der Beek for the duration of the teen drama, in one of the central relationships – that of Dawson and Joey.
She said the news is “a lot to process” as she recalled their “adventures of a unique youth”.
Katie Holmes shares handwritten tribute to James Van Der Beek (Instagram)
Jacob Stolworthy12 February 2026 10:22
Reese Witherspoon ‘devastated’ by news
Reese Witherspoon was one of the last stars who got to work with James Van Der Beek; the actor shot scenes for the forthcoming Legally Blonde TV series.
She wrote: “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.
“Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”
Jacob Stolworthy12 February 2026 09:30
James Van Der Beek’s final post
The Dawson’s Creek actor honoured his 12-year-old daughter Annabel in his moving last post before his death.
Jacob Stolworthy12 February 2026 09:02
Emma Slater says James Van Der Beek became ‘family’ after Dancing With the Stars
Emma Slater has shared a tribute to James Van Der Beek, her partner on season 28 of Dancing With the Stars in 2019.
The pair finished fifth on the series, and Slater wrote that what began as a ballroom partnership “continued into the deepest of friendships”.
“All those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives are blessed. Forever changed by your brilliance. We got to have these beautiful years sharing life together,” she wrote on Instagram.
Slater shared she had seen him shortly before his death and was grateful for the chance to speak with him. “We laughed together. And I promised I would feel your presence always, as I already have.”
Shahana Yasmin12 February 2026 08:30
Melissa Joan Hart remembers James Van Der Beek as ‘a great father’
Melissa Joan Hart has paid tribute to James Van Der Beek, describing him as “truly a nice guy”.
Hart, who starred as Clarissa Darling on the 1990s Nickelodeon sitcom Clarissa Explains It All, shared pictures with Van Der Beek, who guest-starred as Paulie in a 1993 episode.
“He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on screen kiss when he guest starred on Clarissa Explains It All. Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight. We ran into each other at the singing game show We Are Family about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does,” she wrote on Instagram.
Shahana Yasmin12 February 2026 08:15
Dawson’s Creek co-stars remember James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek’s former Dawson’s Creek co-stars have shared messages after news of his death.
Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell, posted behind-the-scenes photos from the series, writing that her “heart is deeply hurting”.
“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed,” she wrote. “I am just so so sad. He was my friend and I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Mary-Margaret Humes, who played Dawson’s mother Gail Leery, described him as a “gracious warrior” who fought illness with “quiet strength and dignity”.
Sasha Alexander, who played his love interest Gretchen Witter, wrote that “what made Dawson special was the man who played him”, calling him “a deep, thoughtful soul”.
Chad Michael Murray, who had a recurring role as Charlie Todd, said Van Der Beek “inspired us to be better in all ways”, adding: “James was a giant.”
Shahana Yasmin12 February 2026 08:00
James Van Der Beek had reportedly been working on a memoir before his death
James Van Der Beek had been quietly writing a memoir in the months before his death, according to Deadline.
The Dawson’s Creek actor was working on the book between filming commitments, sources told the outlet.
It is not known how much of the manuscript had been completed, nor whether there are plans for the memoir to be published posthumously.
Shahana Yasmin12 February 2026 07:45
James Van Der Beek shares spring hopes in final videoJames Van Der Beek shares spring hopes in final video
Shahana Yasmin12 February 2026 07:30
Reese Witherspoon says she is ‘devastated’ by James Van Der Beek’s death
Reese Witherspoon has said she is “devastated” by the news of James Van Der Beek’s death.
Posting on Instagram Stories, the actor and producer wrote: “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”
Van Der Beek had recently filmed a recurring role in Elle, a television prequel to Legally Blonde, the 2001 film in which Witherspoon starred as Elle Woods. The new series is produced by Witherspoon’s company, Hello Sunshine.
In Elle, Van Der Beek plays Dean Wilson, a local school superintendent who is also running for mayor.
Shahana Yasmin12 February 2026 07:15