James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Varsity Blues’ Star, Dies at 48
James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame portraying Dawson Leery on the hit series “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. The news, announced on February 11, 2026, has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars and fans alike, marking the loss of a beloved figure in television and film.
Van Der Beek’s death was announced via a post on his official Instagram page. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the post read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we inquire for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.” A representative confirmed the news to multiple outlets and shared a link to a GoFundMe page established to support the family.
The actor was initially diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and publicly shared his illness in November 2024. Despite his health challenges, Van Der Beek continued to work, appearing in roles on the CW’s “Walker” (2024) and Amazon Prime Video’s comedy “Overcompensating” (2025). He also participated in Fox’s “The Masked Singer” (2025) and was slated to appear in Amazon Prime’s “Elle,” a prequel to “Legally Blonde,” as Dean Wilson.
Just two weeks before his death, Van Der Beek took to social media to celebrate the joint birthday of his father and one of his daughters, writing, “In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good. You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life.”
Van Der Beek first captured audiences’ hearts as the titular character in “Dawson’s Creek,” which aired from 1998 to 2003, becoming a defining teen drama of the era. He also starred in the 1999 film “Varsity Blues.” Throughout his career, he consistently appeared in both film and television, including a role as a fictionalized version of himself in the 2012 series “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.”
He was married to actress Heather McComb from 2003 to 2009 and later married business consultant Kimberly Brook in 2010. Together, they share six children, and Van Der Beek had previously spoken about his wife’s experience with multiple miscarriages.
The actor’s passing comes as colorectal cancer diagnoses are increasingly affecting younger Americans, becoming a leading cause of cancer-related deaths for those under 50, according to the American Cancer Society. Symptoms can include blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, abdominal pain, and unexplained weight loss.
Tributes from Van Der Beek’s “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars have begun to surface, highlighting the impact he had on those who worked with him. The news serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring legacy of a talented performer.
