James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor from “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek shared in a joint statement on Instagram Wednesday.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. He has much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. That day will come.”
Meanwhile, Kimberly expressed her sadness and asked fans for “protection of privacy.”
Several celebrities mourned his death, including Hilaria Baldwin, who wrote, “Sending you so much love. I’m so sorry 💔.”
Actress Jamie-Lynn Sigler added, “We are the luckiest to be part of his tribe. Fly away, James. You were all good in this world. ❤️.”
“An amazing father, husband, artist, and so much more. Sending love and comfort to his family ♥️,” Dancing with the Stars pro Jenna Johnson agreed.
“I feel so sad for your beautiful family,” Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote. “James’ legacy will live on forever, but this is a great loss, not only to your family, but to the world. Fk Cancer.”
“Sending love and light to your beautiful family,” Chad Michael Murray said. “James was a giant. We are so sorry for what you are going through. His words, art, and humanity were an inspiration to all of us. He inspired us to be better in every way. God bless you all.”
The actor and father of six had been battling stage 3 cancer since August 2023.
In November 2024, he told People magazine that he was forced to reveal his diagnosis after learning that “the tabloids were going to run this story.”
“I have personally been dealing with this issue for some time now and have been working more intensively than ever to seek treatment and improve my overall health,” Van der Beek added.
“I’m in good shape and feeling strong. This is quite an introduction and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
According to medical experts, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer (also known as colon or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts) is 64% overall, but varies by stage.
Shortly after disclosing his health concerns, Van Der Beek put on a brave face at the red carpet premiere of Tubi’s “Sideline: The QB and Me.”
However, cancer treatment placed a financial burden on his family, and he confessed that he started selling merchandise autographed by Varsity Blues to help pay for the treatment.
Van der Beek put his character Jonathan “Mox” Moxon’s footwear and hat up for auction.
He also sold “Dawson’s Creek” memorabilia, including clothing and bedroom decor for his character Dawson Leery.
Van der Beek relied on his wife, Kimberly, and their children, Olivia, 14, throughout his journey to fight cancer. Joshua, 13 years old. Annabelle, 12 years old. Emilia, 8 years old. Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3, supported us.
In March, on his 48th birthday, he admitted that he was “no longer a helpful husband to his wife” and “no longer a father who would pick them up, give them a ride, be there for them.”
A few months later, Van Der Beek missed a scheduled “Dawson’s Creek” reunion as he dealt with two stomach viruses during a battle with cancer, sparking concerns.
However, he surprised the audience by appearing virtually at the event.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he told attendees in New York City. “I can’t believe I won’t be able to see my… beautiful cast in person.”
Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late ’90s as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, alongside co-stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, and Busy Philipps.
Van der Beek appeared in over 60 films and television projects throughout her career, including starring in the 2002 Sam Bateman film Rules of Attraction, the 2015 series CSI: Cyber, and the 2017 animated television series Vampirina.
He made guest appearances on shows such as “Overcompensated,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Modern Family,” and “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”
His last projects were Sidelined: Rewind with Noah and Siena and Sidelined 2: Interception, released in 2025.
