Dies at the age of 48 from the series “Dawson’s Creek”, James Van Der Beek.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” read a statement shared via the actor’s Instagram. “He faced his final days with courage, faith and dignity. There is much to share about his desires, his love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those moments will come. We request privacy at this time as we mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
The actor and father of six had been quietly battling stage 3 colon cancer since August 2023. However, in November 2024, he told People magazine that he was forced to reveal his diagnosis when he learned that “a tabloid was going to break the news. I am in good shape and feel strong. It’s been a great test and I’ll say more when I’m ready.”
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon or rectal cancer depending on where it starts, has an overall five-year survival rate of 64%, although this varies by stage, according to medical experts.
Missed ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Reunion
Shortly after going public with his health issues, Van Der Beek appeared on the red carpet at the premiere of Tubi’s film Sidelined: The QB And Me. However, he soon admitted that the cancer treatment had taken a financial toll on his family and began selling autographed ‘Varsity Blues’ memorabilia to fund his care. Throughout this journey, he was supported by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, with whom they had Olivia (14), Joshua (13), Annabelle (11), Emilia (8), Gwendolyn (6) and Jeremiah (3).
A few months later, he caused concern when he pulled out of a planned “Dawson’s Creek” reunion as he battled two stomach viruses amid his battle with cancer.
James rose to fame in the late 90s playing the eponymous character Dawson Leary in ‘Dawson’s Creek’ alongside Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Busy Phillips and others. He went on to star in films such as ‘Varsity Blues’ and ‘The Rules of Attraction’ and was involved in more than 60 film and television projects during his career.
