In sad news this morning, James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, has passed away aged just 48.
Born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, to Melinda (a dancer and gymnastics teacher) and James William Van Der Beek, an executive and former minor league baseball pitcher. In a rare case of nomintive determinism, his surname translates to “from the creek” in Dutch.
James has been performing since a young age. From school productions and off-Broadway shows to Dawson’s Creek in the 90s, he was never far from acting.
Following this hit show’s conclusion, James continued to star on television. He had recurring roles in One Tree Hill, How I Met Your Mother, Friends with Better Lives and more. One very memorable performance was as a parody of himself on Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. He also starred in numerous films, most notably Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction and Jay and Silent Bob (as himself).
James had been battling stage 3 colorectal cancer for many years. He publicly disclosed his diagnosis on TODAY in November 2024, describing it as a “full‑time job”.
In August 2023, at age 46, James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He underwent a colonoscopy prompted by changes in his bowel habits — a common early sign he initially dismissed as diet-related.
Best known for portraying the titular character Dawson Leery in the 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, James recently missed out on a cast reunion due to a stomach virus he contracted related to his stomach cancer.
His family made a statement on his passing:
“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.
James was very open about his cancer in hopes that by speaking about it, he would encourage others to undergo testing. He also never hid his cancer from his children.
“They know if Dad’s in pain. They know, and so by not telling them, I think you’re confusing them even more.”
James’ final post on his Instagram before his death was a birthday tribute to his father and daughter, who share a birthday.
“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good. You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life.”
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
