TMZ confirmed that Varsity Blues and Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek died this morning, according to the Travis County Medical Examiner's Office. Van Der Beek was 48 years old.
Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberley Van Der Beek, posted about his death on Instagram, saying that Van Der Beek "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." She requested privacy during her family's grief.
James Van Der Beek Passes Away at 48 After Courageous Battle with Cancer
In late 2024, Van Der Beek revealed he had colorectal cancer. In an interview with People, Van Der Beek expressed that he was optimistic despite his diagnosis. Shortly after, Van Der Beek starred in a two-hour special of "The Real Full Monty" in an effort to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research.
Van Der Beek was best known for his role as the eponymous Dawson Leery in the '90s drama Dawson's Creek. Aside from his most iconic role, Van Der Beek also starred in Varsity Blues, Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23, and Ugly Betty, among many other acting credits. Van Der Beek was also a prominent voice actor, voicing the main character Pazu in the English dub of Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky.
Rest in peace, James Van Der Beek.
- Release Date
- 1998-00-00 - 2003-00-00
- Network
- The WB
- Directors
- Greg Berlanti
- Writers
- Kevin Williamson, Greg Berlanti, tom kapinos
WHERE TO WATCH
- Cast
- James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, Mary-Margaret Humes, John Wesley Shipp, Mary Beth Peil, Kerr Smith, Busy Philipps
