James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48. He was best known for playing Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, a role that made him a familiar face to millions of viewers.
His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully. In a short statement, they said he faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace. They asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.
Van Der Beek had been quietly battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. He shared his diagnosis publicly in 2024, explaining that it was discovered during a routine colonoscopy. At the time, he said he was receiving treatment and felt supported by his family.
In the final year of his life, he reduced public appearances due to his health. He did, however, send a recorded message to fans during a planned reunion event, thanking them for their support over the years.
Beyond his acting career, he was a father of six and often spoke about the importance of family and making the most of time together. His openness about his illness and his focus on loved ones left a strong and lasting impression.