James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for embodying those formative, angsty teenage years in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died following a diagnosis with colorectal cancer. He was 48.
Van Der Beek's Feb. 11 death was announced with a post on the actor's official Instagram page Wednesday. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," a caption of a photo of the actor read.
"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," the post, also shared to his wife Kimberly's Instagram, said. "For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
A representative for the actor confirmed the news to USA TODAY and shared an official GoFundMe for the family.
The actor was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and shared his illness with the public in November 2024. He continued working, in spite of his health battle, appearing on shows like the CW's "Walker" (2024) and Amazon Prime Video’s comedy "Overcompensating" (2025).
