James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after cancer diagnosis
The Dawson’s Creek star is remembered for his breakout role and devotion to family
James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leery in the hit 1990s drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48, one year after revealing a cancer diagnosis.
A statement shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, February 11, confirmed the news.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” the message read.
“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 November 2024, Van Der Beek revealed he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer while preparing to appear on the U.S. charity special The Real Full Monty.
Over the following year, he spoke openly about the challenges of treatment and recovery. In an effort to manage mounting medical expenses, the actor announced he would auction memorabilia and personal keepsakes from his years in television and film.
A GoFundMe campaign created to support the family described both the emotional toll of the illness and the financial strain that followed. The page noted that despite their efforts to provide the best care possible, costs had placed significant pressure on the household.
Following his passing, his wife, Kimberly, shared the fundraising link again, with a goal of helping the family maintain stability and remain in their home.
The role that changed his life
Van Der Beek became a household name in 1998 when he starred as aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery in the teen drama Dawson’s Creek. The show quickly became a cultural touchstone and helped define a generation of coming-of-age television.
That same year, he was named one of People magazine’s Most Beautiful People.
Marking the show’s 25th anniversary, Van Der Beek reflected on the sudden shift to fame.
“Twenty-five years ago today, my life changed,” he wrote at the time. “Not gradually, not day-by-day … instantly.”
He described years of auditions, travel, and rejection before landing the career-defining role that would shape his path in Hollywood.
Beyond the screen, friends and supporters often described Van Der Beek as deeply devoted to his family. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.
The GoFundMe page shared after his death emphasized the family’s desire to maintain stability for the children during a time of profound loss. It stated that community support would help them remain in their home and continue the children’s education.
For many viewers, Van Der Beek will always be remembered as the earnest dreamer at the heart of a beloved television era. For those closest to him, he was a husband, father and friend whose life extended far beyond the screen.
As tributes continue to pour in from fans and colleagues, his family has asked for privacy while they grieve.
James Van Der Beek was 48.
