James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the television series Dawson’s Creek, died on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, after a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
The announcement of his death was made via a statement posted on Van Der Beek’s Instagram account by his wife, Kimberly. The statement noted he “passed peacefully this morning” and “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, publicly revealing his diagnosis in November 2024. He had initially sought a colonoscopy after experiencing changes in his bowel habits and a general feeling that something was amiss, symptoms he initially attributed to coffee consumption. He described the warning signs as not dramatic, but persistent.
In December 2025, Van Der Beek appeared on TODAY and described himself as “really fortunate in an unfortunate diagnosis,” stating he was still undergoing treatment and “trying a bunch of stuff.” However, in September 2025, he appeared via video link at a Dawson’s Creek reunion, citing stomach issues and weight loss as the reason for his absence, though at the time he stated these were not cancer related.
The actor’s death comes amid a concerning rise in colorectal cancer diagnoses among younger adults. While the disease remains relatively uncommon in those under 50 – accounting for approximately 13% of all cases in the U.S. – incidence rates are increasing in this demographic. The American Cancer Society recently reported that colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in adults under age 50, with deaths in this age group rising by 1.1% annually since 2005.
The increasing prevalence of the disease in younger populations echoes a similar spotlight placed on the issue following the 2020 death of actor Chadwick Boseman, who also succumbed to colon cancer at the age of 43.
Kimberly Van Der Beek has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to address the financial strain resulting from her husband’s medical expenses and the family’s “uncertain future.” The campaign notes the significant costs associated with his treatment and the extended fight against the disease.
According to a report in People magazine, Van Der Beek shared his diagnosis publicly to raise awareness about the disease and offer support to others facing similar challenges.
