(Photo Credits: DFree from Shutterstock)

James David Van Der Beek — the actor who captured the hearts of a generation as Dawson Leery on the 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek — has passed away at age 48 following a courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, his family announced.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote on the actor’s official Instagram account. “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 rose to international fame playing Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003), a landmark teen series that became a cultural touchstone for young viewers across the globe. Following the show’s success, he appeared in films such as Varsity Blues (1999), The Rules of Attraction (2002), and numerous television roles, including a memorable laugh-in on Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 and an ensemble role on the FX drama Pose.

He also competed on Dancing with the Stars during the 28th season and The Masked Singer Season 13 and had recently filmed scenes for the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, set to premiere posthumously.

Throughout his career, Van Der Beek was recognized not only for his roles but also for his supportive stance toward the LGBTQ+ community. He took part in groundbreaking projects that centered LGBTQ+ stories—including Pose, a series celebrating queer and trans Black and Latino ballroom culture.

When asked by CinemaSource about rumors about his sexuality in a 2008 interview, Van Der Beek said candidly, “If a rumor comes out that I’m gay, I couldn’t care less. There are so many worse things that they could be saying.”

The Dawson’s Creek series itself was notable in its time for portraying LGBTQ+ characters and storylines that resonated with fans navigating identity and acceptance.

Van Der Beek publicly revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, though he had been privately battling the disease since mid-2023. In interviews during his treatment, he was frank about the emotional and physical challenges, and he used his platform to encourage awareness of cancer screening and to reflect on the importance of family, faith, and courage.

Meanwhile, tributes poured in from co-stars and industry peers — with Joshua Jackson calling him “the one everybody loves to love,” citing his enduring appeal and humility, adding, “I don’t have to worry about throngs of girls. That’s more James’s thing.” In addition, Katie Holmes honored Van Der Beek as well, saying, “James, thank you. To share a space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make-believe and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression.”

Busy Phillips, Chad Michael Murray, and others also shared heartfelt memories, emphasizing his impact as both an actor and a human being.

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. In the wake of his passing, friends and fans have launched fundraising efforts to support the family as they navigate the loss and the financial challenges tied to his extended illness. Read here and here for more information on this story.

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