James Van Der Beek has died at 48 after battling colorectal cancer. His family said he passed away peacefully, surrounded by love. They described him as a devoted husband, father, son, and friend, and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
He is survived by his wife and their six children, whom he often called his greatest blessing.
Earlier this year, Van Der Beek shared that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He spoke openly about early warning signs, including ongoing fatigue and physical changes he first attributed to stress.
When symptoms continued, he sought medical tests that confirmed the diagnosis. After going public, he encouraged others not to ignore changes in their health and to seek medical advice promptly.
Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late 1990s as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek. The series made him a household name and a defining face of teen television at the time.
He later built a steady career in film and television. In recent years, he stepped back from Hollywood’s fast pace to focus more on family life.
Friends who visited him in his final days described a man who remained thoughtful and present despite his illness. Tributes highlighted his deep love for his wife and children and his strong faith.
James Van Der Beek will be remembered not only for his acting career, but for his devotion to family, his openness about illness, and the grace with which he faced life’s hardest moments.