Main points
- James Van Der Beek, an actor on Dawson's Creek, has died at the age of 48 from colorectal cancer.
- The actor was born in Connecticut and gained fame with the role of Dawson Leary.
James Van Der Beek / Photo from the actor's Instagram
American actor James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48. He made history as a star of television series. He spent the last years of his life battling a serious illness.
James Van Der Beek's death was announced by his family. The official statement was made by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, on her Instagram page.
James Van Der Beek died on the morning of February 11. According to the family, the actor met his last days with courage, faith, and dignity.
There is much to tell about his desire, his love for humanity, and the intimacy of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peace and privacy to mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend,
– the actor's wife said.
James Van Der Beek has been battling cancer for the past few years. In 2024, the actor first revealed that he had colorectal cancer. He urged fans to take care of their health and shared his experiences.
James Van Der Beek / Photo from the actor's Instagram
What is known about James Van Der Beek?
- James Van Der Beek was born in Connecticut in the town of Cheshire. At the age of 15, he went to New York with the clear goal of acting. And soon he appeared on Broadway in one of the plays, and two years later he got the lead role in the musical and made his film debut in “Angus”, writes Variety.
- In 1997, the actor landed the role of Dawson Leary, the central character in the TV series “Dawson's Creek”. This project brought him the greatest popularity. Van Der Beek also starred in the youth drama “Student Team”, won the MTV Movie Awards, and was included in the list of the most beautiful people in the world.
- James Van Der Beek continued to actively act in films: “Texas Rangers”, “Scary Movie”, “How I Met Your Mother”, “Survival School” and many others.
James Van Der Beek with children / Photo from the actor's Instagram
Regarding the actor's personal life: his first marriage lasted from 2003 to 2010. He later married a second time. The couple had six children.