Fans of the 1990s hit series "Dawson's Creek" and the entertainment industry were shocked by the death of actor James Van Der Beek, 48, from Stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosed in November 2024.
Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife, announced the death through Instagram. "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she stated. "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come."
She requested privacy for the family, writing, "For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
The actor revealed his condition publicly through Instagram on November 3, 2024, according to CBS News. "I've been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before," he disclosed. "Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support."
(L-R) Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson (Photo: Warner Bros TV/The Kobal Collection/ Frank Ockenfels)
Throughout his illness, Van Der Beek documented his experience on Instagram, frequently acknowledging the unwavering support of his wife and six children.
A GoFundMe campaign supporting Van Der Beek's widow and children exceeded its initial $500,000 target within hours of launching, The Guardian reported. Organizers subsequently raised the goal to $1 million.
Van Der Beek achieved widespread fame portraying Dawson Leery – the introspective, earnest aspiring filmmaker at the heart of WB's "Dawson's Creek". The series ran six seasons and became a cornerstone of teen drama television. The role catapulted Van Der Beek to teenage heartthrob status and national celebrity.
"Dawson's Creek" premiered in 1998, set in a Massachusetts seaside town. The show centered on Dawson's relationships with Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams), and Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson).
Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, James David Van Der Beek discovered acting as a child through school plays before making his professional debut in an off-Broadway production of Edward Albee's "Finding the Sun".
While "Dawson's Creek" aired, Van Der Beek landed numerous film roles: He starred as a high school quarterback in 1999's "Varsity Blues", which performed solidly at the box office, and made cameos in "Scary Movie" (2000) and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" (2001).
The series concluded in May 2003 after 128 episodes. Van Der Beek subsequently mixed movie and television work, guest-starring on hot series such as "Criminal Minds", "Ugly Betty", "How I Met Your Mother", "One Tree Hill", and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent".
Hollywood stars paid tribute to Van Der Beek following his death. Co-star Katie Holmes posted a handwritten tribute to Van Der Beek on Instagram, praising his "bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength" along with his "appreciation for life."
"James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and I don't know what else to say," co-star Busy Philipps shared her grief. "I am just so so sad," she said.
Reese Witherspoon, who is the executive producer on the "Legally Blonde" prequel "Elle", which will feature Van Der Beek's posthumous performance, wrote on Instagram: "What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time."
