💔 ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star James Van Der Beek Dead at 48 After Cancer Battle
Hollywood is mourning the loss of beloved actor James Van Der Beek, who has passed away at the age of 48.
According to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office, his death was reported at 6:44 AM. An official cause of death has not been released. The heartbreaking news comes after James publicly revealed in late 2024 that he was battling stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Shortly after the news broke, his wife Kimberley Van Der Beek shared an emotional message on Instagram, saying her husband “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” She asked for privacy as their family navigates this devastating loss.
Despite his diagnosis, James remained optimistic and determined to use his platform for good. Just weeks after revealing his cancer battle, he participated in a two-hour special of The Real Full Monty to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research. He also appeared on Good Morning America, where he became emotional speaking about his health journey and the unwavering support of his wife.
Health challenges forced him to miss an in-person Dawson’s Creek reunion in September, though he made a surprise virtual appearance, introducing Lin-Manuel Miranda, who read lines in his honor.
In a powerful reflection shared in late 2025, James even described cancer as “the best thing that had ever happened” to him — explaining that it pushed him to live healthier and deepen his faith.
Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late ’90s as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, becoming a teen television icon. He later appeared in films like Varsity Blues and Scary Movie, and took on memorable roles in Don’t Trust the B–– in Apartment 23, How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, and Pose.
He is survived by his wife Kimberley and their six children — daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
