James Van Der Beek , best known for his work on Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, p assed away on Wednesday , February 11. He was 48 years old.
The actor’s wife honored him on Instagram while asking for privacy.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” Kimberley Van Der Beek shared.
- Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek has lost his battle with colorectal cancer at the age of 48.
- Van Der Beek had spoken openly about struggling with his identity while undergoing treatment for the disease.
- His wife has requested privacy for the family as they mourn his loss.
“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 husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” she added.
James Van Der Beek’s cause of passing revealed
James Van Der Beek wearing maroon blazer and striped shirt, posing at an event with a yellow backdrop.
The star’s demise comes after he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in the latter half of 2023.
The father of six had shared in a media interaction in 2024 that while receiving treatment for the disease, he felt like he was losing his identity as “a father, a provider, a husband” with every passing day.
James Van Der Beek from Dawson’s Creek smiling outdoors in casual clothing during a daytime scene.
Before his passing, the actor was part of Prime Video’s upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle . He was set to recur as Dean Wilson, a high school superintendent running for mayor.
It remains unconfirmed as of this writing if the project will still feature the actor.
Four young actors from Dawson’s Creek sitting on a wooden dock by the water during sunset, including James Van Der Beek.
Fans have begun mourning the actor’s passing, with one writing, “So sorry to hear this. Rest in peace,” and another adding, “This is so heartbreaking. Cancer is the worst.”
Comment from Sean Davis expressing sympathy and discussing the tough battle related to James Van Der Beek, star of Dawsons Creek.
Comment praising James Van Der Beek, star of Dawsons Creek, for his character portrayal and thanking him.
“Absolutely gutted,” wrote a third, while a fourth shared, “He was sick for a while; I hoped he would pull through.”
The star had risen to fame with Dawson’s Creek
James Van Der Beek outdoors wearing a plaid shirt and white t-shirt, known for Dawson’s Creek role.
Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Connecticut . He began acting as a child, appearing in various school plays before making his professional debut in an off-Broadway production of Edward Albee’s Finding the Sun .
His first film role came in 1995 through Angus , and the following year, he starred in the independent romance I Love You, I Love You Not .
Two young men sitting on a porch railing, one holding a football and the other a cup, representing James Van Der Beek Dawson’s Creek.
Dawson’s Creek premiered in 1998. The series saw Van Der Beek portray the titular character across all six seasons.
While the series was on air, the actor appeared in a string of films, including Varsity Blues , released in 1999, in which he played a high school quarterback.
Comment tribute to James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, expressing grief and appreciation for his impact.
Fan tribute expressing sadness over the passing of James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, and his impact on fans.
Earlier this year, Van Der Beek starred as Charlie in the Prime Video college comedy, Overcompensating .
Van Der Beek’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign following his passing
James Van Der Beek smiling, wearing a brown leather jacket and checkered shirt against a light blue background.
Medical bills can be overwhelming, even for Hollywood stars, and that was evidently the case for Van Der Beek and his family.
“Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care. In the wake of this loss, Kimberley and the children are facing an uncertain future,” a GoFundMe appeal to the actor’s fans reads.
View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames)
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