James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor known for his roles in Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues, has passed away at the age of 48, according to his family's statement. The actor bravely faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace, as he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2024. His family shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram account, expressing their deep grief and asking for privacy during this difficult time. James is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly, and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
The news of his passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Dancing with the Stars partner Emma Slater, who worked with James on the show in 2019, expressed her devastation, calling him family and sharing her gratitude for being able to say goodbye. Actor and close friend Alfonso Ribeiro, who starred in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, also paid tribute, stating his sadness and happiness to have known James.
James made a memorable appearance at a Dawson's Creek reunion charity event in New York in September, despite his previous illness. He appeared on stage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre during a live reading of the show's pilot episode, supporting a good cause. His colleagues and fans have remembered him as a talented actor and a beloved member of the entertainment industry.
Dawson's Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003, followed a group of high school friends, with James playing the role of Dawson Leery, which brought him widespread fame. Born and raised in Cheshire, Connecticut, James began his acting career at 13 after a concussion playing football, which led to a year of recovery and a new path in the world of acting.
