James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle

James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48, after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was widely known for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003.

The news was shared by his wife, Kimberly. Who described his final days as calm and full of faith. She asked for privacy as their family including their six children, grieves the loss.
Van Der Beek’s illness was discovered during a routine colonoscopy.

Photo Credit: Getty images

For a long time, he chose to keep that part of his life out of the spotlight, opening up only later and on his own terms. When he spoke publicly about his diagnosis, it was to encourage awareness of colorectal cancer and the importance of screening.

His career stretched far beyond Dawson Leery. While that role made him famous, he never allowed it to define him completely. From Varsity Blues to later in life, he showed a willingness to grow, shift, and poke fun at his own image when needed . He spoke openly about fatherhood, fear, gratitude, and time.

Photo Credit: BBC7

James Van Der Beek leaves behind work and a personal legacy of honesty, warmth, and quiet strength. His absence will be felt, not just because of the roles he played, but because of how human he allowed himself to be.