James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leery in the hit U.S. teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with bowel cancer.
In a statement shared on his social media accounts, his family said:
«Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.»
Van Der Beek, a father of six, was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in the latter half of 2023. He made the diagnosis public in November 2024.
Diagnosis and Advocacy
The actor first noticed changes in his bowel habits, a common warning sign of the disease, and sought medical tests after symptoms persisted. Screening revealed the cancer had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Colorectal cancer develops in the lining of the colon and can spread if left untreated. Increased screening in recent years has improved early detection and survival rates.
Speaking previously about his treatment, Van Der Beek described a period in which he felt he had lost key parts of his identity as a father and husband.
«I had to sit there and say, ‘Well, what am I?’ And it was, ‘I’m still worthy of love,’» he said.
After revealing his diagnosis, he worked to promote awareness of cancer screening, saying he hoped his experience might help others.
Career and Legacy
Van Der Beek became one of television’s most recognisable faces between 1998 and 2003 through Dawson’s Creek. He also starred in the 1999 film Varsity Blues and later played a fictionalised version of himself in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. He competed on the 28th season of Dancing with the Stars and continued acting following his diagnosis, including a recent guest role in the Prime Video comedy Overcompensating.
In September, he made a surprise virtual appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event that raised funds for F Cancer.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans. Co-star Busy Philipps said her heart was «deeply hurting» and described him as a cherished friend. Sarah Michelle Gellar called his death «a huge loss», while Jennifer Garner described it as «heartbreaking».
The official Dawson’s Creek accounts said his portrayal of Dawson Leery «helped define a generation of television». SAG-AFTRA praised him for bringing «sincerity, depth and heart» to his performances.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their children.
Kursiv also reports that Canadian actress Catherine O’Hara died of a pulmonary embolism.
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