James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, dies aged 48 after cancer diagnosis

James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role in ’90s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48.

The star revealed in November 2024, while preparing to appear on US charity TV special The Real Full Monty, that he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.

A statement published on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page on Wednesday, February 11 reads:

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.

“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”

One year on from revealing his tragic diagnosis, Van Der Beek announced that he would be auctioning off memorabilia and various “treasures” he had assimilated from his time in TV and film in order to fund his cancer treatment.

A GoFundMe page established to support the actor’s family said: “Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.”

Van Der Beek shot to fame in 1998 through his role as Dawson Leery in the wildly popular Dawson’s Creek. That same year, he was voted one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful People in the World.

“Twenty-five years ago today, my life changed,” the actor wrote on the 25th anniversary of the show’s start.

“Not gradually, not day-by-day … instantly. It was the culmination of five years of auditioning, hundreds of hours on stage, thousands of hours travelling, preparing, dreaming, hoping, hearing ‘no’ and making up reasons to keep going. But the shift was overnight.”

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and the couple’s six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.

Following the actor’s passing, Kimberly published a link to the aforementioned GoFundMe page, seeking to raise $500,000 to help the family deal with the financial burden of his medical costs.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the GoFundMe page states.

“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”

Rest in peace, James Van Der Beek.