Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48 after a battle with cancer.
The actor died “peacefully” on Wednesday morning, his family said in a statement.
The father-of-six was diagnosed with bowel cancer in the latter half of 2023 but only revealed the news in November 2024.
He starred in a number of popular shows and films in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including the cult classic Dawson's Creek.
Though best known for his role as Dawson, Van Der Beek also starred in several successful films and TV shows, including Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction and Don’t Trust The B---- in Apartment 23, in which he played himself.
In a statement posted on Instagram, his wife Kimberly, said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.
"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 ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
The actor previously spoke of his bowel cancer battle with Business Insider, sharing that he noticed changes in his bowel movements, which is a common symptom of the disease.
He said he stopped drinking coffee ahead of screening tests to see if that helped. He shared that the disease had progressed to stage three, meaning it had spread to surrounding lymph nodes.
Bowel cancer is more common among men than women; increased screenings can identify the disease early. After Van Der Beek’s diagnosis, he devoted time advocating for increased screening.
He told Business Insider: "I've learned a lot. If I can save anyone from having to go through this, that's magic."
The late actor continued working throughout his diagnosis, including guest starring in Prime Video comedy Overcompensating earlier this year.
He even made a surprise virtual appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion fundraiser on September 22, after having to step away from the live event due to stomach viruses.
The live reunion was attended by his co-stars on the show Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, and Busy Phillipps, who gave a live reading of the show’s first-ever episode in 1998. The stars were accompanied by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who subbed in for Van Der Beek.
The charity event raised money for the F Cancer charity and was a tribute to Van Der Beek.
