James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48 after a two-year battle with colorectal cancer. He was best known for playing Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek and later appeared in the comedy Don’t Trust the B**** In Apartment 23. He also starred in films including Varsity Blues.
His wife, Kimberly, confirmed that he passed away peacefully. She said he faced his final days with courage, faith, and dignity. The family has asked for privacy as they grieve.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2023. He spoke publicly about his illness in 2024, sharing that he had been coping with it privately while supported by his family. He described living with cancer as a difficult but meaningful journey.
In what became his final television interview on Today, he reflected on how the diagnosis changed his outlook. He said the illness pushed him to make important changes in his life and to focus more deeply on family and honesty, especially with his six children.
Shortly before his death, he shared a heartfelt message on Instagram celebrating his father and daughter’s shared birthday. The post expressed gratitude, love, and appreciation for family — words that many fans now see as a touching farewell.