James Van Der Beek, widely recognized for his leading role in the 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has passed away at the age of 48.
The actor publicly revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colon cancer, while preparing to appear on the U.S. charity television special The Real Full Monty. The news deeply saddened his fans, who responded with an outpouring of love and support.
A statement shared on his Instagram page on Wednesday, February 11, confirmed the heartbreaking news:
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
There is much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and his deep appreciation for the sacredness of time. Those moments will come. For now, we ask for privacy and peace as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
One year after announcing his diagnosis, Van Der Beek revealed that he would auction personal memorabilia and treasured items from his television and film career to help fund his medical treatment. A fundraising page was also created on GoFundMe to support his family. The page explained that throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional hardship but also significant financial challenges while doing everything possible to ensure he received the best care.
Van Der Beek rose to fame in 1998 with his portrayal of Dawson Leery, a character who became an icon for an entire generation. That same year, he was named one of People Magazine’s “Most Beautiful People in the World,” further cementing his status as one of television’s most beloved stars.
On the 25th anniversary of the show that launched his career, the actor reflected on the life-changing moment: “Twenty-five years ago today, my life changed. Not gradually, not day by day… instantly. It was the culmination of five years of auditions, hundreds of hours on stage, thousands of hours traveling, preparing, dreaming, hoping, hearing ‘no’ and finding reasons to keep going. But the shift happened overnight.”
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. Following his passing, Kimberly reshared the GoFundMe link, aiming to raise $500,000 to help the family manage the financial burden of his medical expenses.
The fundraising page states that in the wake of this profound loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of medical treatment and the long battle against cancer have left the family in financial difficulty. They are striving to remain in their home and ensure the children can continue their education and maintain stability during this incredibly challenging time. Support from friends, relatives, and the wider community is considered essential as they navigate the road ahead.
Rest in peace, James Van Der Beek.