James Van Der Beek Dies: ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star Was 48

James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his starring role as Dawson Leery in the television series Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48, multiple news outlets reported Wednesday.

Van Der Beek also gained prominence for his role in the 1999 film Varsity Blues, where he played Jonathan Moxon. News of his death followed reports that he had been battling cancer, though details regarding his diagnosis and treatment were not immediately available.

Born on November 18, 1977, Van Der Beek began his acting career in the early 1990s, appearing in television shows such as Clarissa Explains It All and Law & Order before landing the lead role in Dawson’s Creek in 1998. The series, which ran for six seasons, catapulted him to teen idol status.

Following Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek continued to work in film and television, with appearances in projects like Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, What Lies Beneath, and The Rules of Attraction. More recently, he appeared in the Hulu series Castle Rock and the CBS drama Criminal Minds.

The Hollywood Reporter published a final photo of Van Der Beek, noting it was a tribute to his daughter. Further details regarding the circumstances of his death have not been released.