James David Van Der Beek, the American actor best known for his iconic role as Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer.

His family confirmed his passing in a heartfelt statement on social media, noting that he “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

📅 Life & Career

James Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, and became a global household name thanks to his breakout role in Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003), one of the most influential teen dramas of its era.

📺 Notable Roles

Throughout his career, Van Der Beek appeared in films and television series including:

• Varsity Blues (1999) — breakout movie role
• The Rules of Attraction (2002)
• Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23
• CSI: Cyber
• Pose
• How I Met Your Mother
• Vampirina (voice role)

His work spanned drama, comedy, and character roles, showing his range as an actor.

🎗 Cancer Battle

Van Der Beek publicly revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer — a disease he faced with openness and honesty that encouraged public awareness about early screening and health checks.

In recent years, he shared glimpses of his treatment journey and even appeared virtually at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event, showing gratitude to fans and fellow cast members for their support.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family & Legacy

James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

Fans around the world have reacted with an outpouring of emotion, remembering his warmth, talent, and the impact he had on a generation of viewers. His contributions to television and film, especially in defining teen drama for a global audience, will be remembered for years to come.

🌟 Remembering a Cultural Icon

Van Der Beek’s portrayal of Dawson Leery helped shape an era of television storytelling. His roles in other projects allowed him to show versatility as an actor, whether in heartfelt moments or comedic performances. His honesty about his health journey also brought conversations about cancer awareness to many who may otherwise never have considered it.

His passing is a significant loss in the world of entertainment, and fans continue to celebrate his life and legacy.

⚠️ Disclaimer

This article is meant for informational purposes and is based on verified reports from multiple major news outlets published on February 11, 2026. Details may evolve as more official statements emerge