The “Dawson’s Creek” star passed away in Texas following a fight with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his breakout role on late-1990s television, has died at age 48.
Van Der Beek passed away in Austin, Texas. While an official cause of death has not been publicly released, he had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since 2023 and went public with his diagnosis in 2024.
The actor rose to fame portraying Dawson Leery on the hit WB teen drama Dawson’s Creek, a role that defined a generation of television viewers. The series, which ran from 1998 to 2003, became a cultural touchstone and launched the careers of several young stars.
Beyond television, Van Der Beek appeared in a number of well-known films, including Varsity Blues, Scary Movie, and The Rules of Attraction. He later took on recurring and guest roles across popular series, showing range beyond the teen idol persona that first brought him fame.
In addition to his acting work, Van Der Beek frequently spoke about fatherhood and family life in recent years. He is survived by his wife, Kimberley, and their six children.
Tributes from co-stars and fellow actors have poured in, remembering him not only as a defining face of 1990s television but also as a dedicated family man who faced illness publicly with resilience.
Hollywood is mourning the loss of a performer whose early career helped shape an era of teen drama — and whose legacy now spans generations of viewers.
