Actor James Van Der Beek has died, his family announced Thursday, February 12, 2026. “Our beloved James passed away peacefully this morning,” a statement shared on social media read. “He spent his last days with courage, faith, and dignity.” The family asked for privacy as they grieve the loss of their “beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek rose to prominence for his role as Dawson Leery in the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The series, which explored themes of adolescence and friendship, left a lasting impact on popular culture, and Van Der Beek became inextricably linked with the character of the aspiring filmmaker navigating life’s complexities. The show remains a touchstone for a generation.
In 2024, Van Der Beek publicly revealed he was undergoing treatment for colon cancer. He made a surprise appearance in September at a charity event benefiting Dawson’s Creek.
Beyond Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek’s filmography included roles in Varsity Blues, the comedy Scary Movie, and the drama The Rules of Attraction. He too appeared in television series such as CSI: Cyber and How I Met Your Mother.
