James Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leary on “Dawson’s Creek,” died today following a lengthy cancer battle. He was 48.
The actor was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and made his diagnosis public in 2024.
James Van Der Beek (via Depositphotos)Those of a certain age (like me) remember “Dawson’s Creek” for its daring, often groundbreaking portrayals of teens — including a gay kiss between high schoolers Jack McPhee (Kerr Smith) and Ethan Brody (Adam Kaufman).
Van Der Beek’s family shared the news in a statement on his Instagram:
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.”
More from Variety:
Born in Connecticut, Van Der Beek got his start acting Off-Broadway while still in high school. He had appeared in several theater productions and a few independent films before his big break came when he was cast in “Dawson’s Creek” in 1997.
The show’s creator Kevin Williamson based Van Der Beek’s tousled blond filmmaker character on his own experiences growing up.
The popular series aired for six seasons on The WB and co-starred Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams.
On “One Tree Hill,” Van Der Beek had a recurring role as a filmmaker, then had roles in series including “Mercy,” “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apt. 23” and “Friends With Better Lives.”
On the Vice scripted series “What Would Diplo Do,” he earned positive reviews for playing the flashy dj.
More recently, his recurring roles included “CSI: Cyber,” “Pose” and he voiced 69 episodes of the animated “Vampirina.” He also appeared on the 28th season of “Dancing With the Stars,” and competed as Griffin on “The Masked Singer” in 2025.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Brook, and six children. Read more here.
Rest well, James Van Der Beek.
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