James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit 1990s series “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at the age of 48 after a battle with colon cancer. The actor passed away on Wednesday, February 11, leaving behind six children.
Just a month before his death, on January 16, 2026, Van Der Beek shared a reflective post on social media. The actor, visibly affected by his illness, pondered the timing of Modern Year’s resolutions, noting they often arrive too soon.