Dawson’s Creek Star James Van Der Beek Dies At 48

James Van Der Beek has died at 48 years old, his family shared in a statement on Feb. 11. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” they wrote. “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 shared six children with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.

The Dawson’s Creek alum received a diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, which he shared publicly in November 2024. At the time, the actor told People he was “cautiously optimistic” and hopeful that discussing his experience might help raise awareness about the rising rates of colorectal cancer in younger people.

As recently as December 2025, Van Der Beek told Today he was feeling “a little bit better every month.”

“It’s been overwhelming to stop and look around and have so many people tell me, ‘I’m praying for you. I’m wishing you the best. How are you doing?’ I never expected that,” Van Der Beek said. “I never just stopped to appreciate... really, kind of, what I’d done.”

At the time, the actor shared his gratitude for the Dawson’s Creek cast reunion that happened three months earlier. While Van Der Beek couldn’t attend the benefit due to a stomach virus, he watched through Zoom as the live audience welcomed his family.

“They got a standing ovation just for taking their seats. And all that love that would have otherwise been directed at me, was directed at my family. And that was just one of the most beautiful moments I’ve ever gotten to witness. I’m just so grateful to the fans for doing that,” he said.

In what would be his final Instagram post on Jan. 25, Van Der Beek sent a heartfelt message to his father and daughter, Annabel, who share a birthday. “I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart,” he wrote. “I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you’re in more fun.”

Van Der Beek continued to work throughout his experience with cancer, recently appearing in Tubi’s Sidelined films and Prime Video’s Overcompensating. Last spring, the Varsity Blues star also announced he’d be joining the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, which premieres this summer.