James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle

James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle

James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his iconic role as Dawson Leery on the hit 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, which he had publicly disclosed in late 2024.

Born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek rose to fame in 1998 when he was cast as the earnest and introspective Dawson Leery, a role that made him a cultural icon for a generation of television viewers. Dawson’s Creek ran for six seasons and became one of the defining teen dramas of its era.

Following the success of the series, Van Der Beek continued acting in both television and film. His film credits included the high-school football drama Varsity Blues. On television, he appeared in series such as CSI: Cyber, How I Met Your Mother, Pose, and delivered a memorable self-parody in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, showcasing his ability to embrace humor about his teen-idol image.

In a statement shared by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, the family said he faced his final days “with courage, faith and grace” and asked for privacy as they mourned their “beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.”

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues, many of whom credit him with helping define an era of television and leaving a lasting impact on popular culture.

James Van Der Beek’s legacy lives on through his performances, which continue to resonate with audiences who grew up watching his work and discovering it anew in the years since.