James Van Der Beek, the actor who starred as Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama series “Dawson’s Creek” in the late ’90s and early 2000s, has died. He was 48.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” an Instagram post from his account stated on Wednesday. “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.”
Van Der Beek had announced in November 2024 that he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” Van Der Beek told People.
Van Der Beek was a father of six and had been married to his wife, Kimberly, since 2010.
