James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star, Dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, the actor known for his leading role on the teen drama Dawson’s Creek and films including Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction, has died. He was 48.

Family statement and Instagram post

A note posted on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page read: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” The post asked for privacy as the family grieves, saying more would be shared in time about his wishes and love for humanity.

Illness and public updates

Van Der Beek revealed in a November 2024 Instagram post that he had been diagnosed with cancer, and later told People that he was battling Stage 3 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he said followed a colonoscopy. In December 2024 he spoke with Good Morning America about the emotional and practical toll of living with the disease, saying it became “the full-time job of having cancer” and reflecting on how the experience prompted life changes.

Career and legacy

Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek began acting in middle school and made his professional debut at 16 in a 1993 off-Broadway production. While a student at Drew University he auditioned for and won the title role of Dawson Leery on The WB’s Dawson’s Creek, a part he played for the show’s six-year run alongside Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson.

Van Der Beek’s work spanned television, film and voice acting. His film credits include the high school football drama Varsity Blues, which earned him the MTV Movie Award for Best Breakout Male Performance in 1999, as well as Texas Rangers, The Rules of Attraction, Formosa Betrayed, Labor Day and Jay and Silent Bob Reboot. On television he appeared on shows including As the World Turns, One Tree Hill, Mercy, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Pose, and voiced Boris Hauntley on the Disney Junior series Vampirina. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2019, reaching the semifinals.

Survivors and tributes

Van Der Beek was married to film producer Kimberly Van Der Beek; he is survived by his wife and their six children. In September the Dawson’s Creek cast gathered for a benefit held in part to support Van Der Beek and his battle with colorectal cancer; he was unable to appear in person but sent a prerecorded message, telling fans, “You’re the best fans in the world.”

This report is based on the family’s Instagram statement and public reporting. We will update as the family shares further information.