James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit 1990s television series Dawson’s Creek, died on Thursday morning at the age of 48 following a battle with stage three colorectal cancer. The news was announced by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, in a post to Instagram, prompting an outpouring of tributes from former co-stars and fans.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly Van Der Beek wrote. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” She requested privacy for the family as they grieve, adding that details regarding his wishes and legacy would be shared at a later time.
Van Der Beek publicly revealed his diagnosis in November 2024, having been privately undergoing treatment since 2023. He spoke openly about the challenges of navigating cancer treatment while continuing to work and support his family, which includes his wife and six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
Fellow Dawson’s Creek alum Sarah Michelle Gellar shared her grief on social media, posting on Instagram, “I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” in response to the family’s announcement. She later wrote in her own story, “I grew up alongside @vanderjames. He was one of the good guys. A true loss.”
Busy Philipps, who played Audrey Liddell opposite Van Der Beek on the series, described her heartbreak, stating, “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today.” She expressed particular sorrow for Kimberly Van Der Beek and their children, calling her former co-star “one in a billion.”
Chad Michael Murray, another Dawson’s Creek cast member, wrote in a comment on Instagram, “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through.” He added that Van Der Beek’s “words, art and humanity inspired all of us.”
Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed Van Der Beek’s mother on the show, shared a heartfelt statement, calling him her “gracious warrior” and praising his “quiet strength and dignity” throughout his illness. Austin Nichols, Van Der Beek’s co-star in the film Varsity Blues, remembered him as someone to “aspire to,” both professionally and personally.
Tributes also came from outside of his acting work. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the musical Hamilton, shared a family selfie taken at a Dawson’s Creek reunion in 2025, writing, “My whole heart is with the Van Der Beek family today.” Emma Slater, Van Der Beek’s partner on Season 28 of Dancing With The Stars in 2019, described him as “family” and expressed gratitude for being able to say goodbye.
Prior to his death, Van Der Beek had spoken about the initial warning sign of his cancer – a change in bowel movements – which he initially attributed to his coffee consumption, according to a report from August in Healthline. He also emphasized the importance of early screening, noting that the recommended screening age had recently dropped to 45.
In the wake of his death, a GoFundMe page organized by Kimberly Van Der Beek revealed the family is facing significant financial strain due to the costs of his cancer treatment. The page stated that the family is working to remain in their home and ensure their children’s education and stability.
