James Van Der Beek, DAWSON’S CREEK and VARSITY BLUES Star, Dead at 48

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James Van Der Beek, the actor famous for his roles in Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, has died of cancer at the age of 48.

Kimberly Van Der Beek shared the news of her husband’s passing on social media. The actor died Wednesday morning, February 11th, after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. He had revealed his diagnosis to fans the previous year, in 2024, after receiving it in 2023.

I was so saddened to hear about James Van Der Beek’s passing. His wife, Kimberly, shared that he passed away peacefully this morning, facing his final days with incredible courage and faith. She mentioned he had so much he wanted to share about living a meaningful life and appreciating every moment, and they’ll share more of that later. Right now, the family is understandably asking for privacy as they mourn the loss of a truly beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend. It’s just heartbreaking.

James Van Der Beek, originally from Connecticut, started his acting career in 1993. He became widely known in 1998 for his role as Dawson Leery on the popular TV show Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons and 128 episodes before ending in 2003. Soon after, he took on a leading role in the film Varsity Blues, playing quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon. Throughout his career, he’s also appeared in Mercy, the Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back films, The Rules of Attraction, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.

Van Der Beek is also survived by his six children.

It’s been so touching to see all the love pouring in for James from fans and people he worked with, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing many more wonderful stories. But I think the most powerful thing we can do is remember his own words. About a year before he passed, on his 48th birthday, he shared a really beautiful message about what going through cancer had taught him – about himself, about life, and about what truly matters. I think that’s the perfect way to remember him.

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2026-02-11 23:33