James Van Der Beek, the soft-eyed star who defined late 90s teen drama, has died at 48. The actor passed away on Wednesday, according to a statement shared on his verified Instagram account. His representative, Whitney Tancred, also confirmed the news to CNN.
The statement said he faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace. His family asked for privacy as they grieve their husband, father, son, brother, and friend. The loss hits hard for fans who grew up watching him every week.
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Van Der Beek revealed in November 2024 that he was living with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He spoke openly about the diagnosis and the toll it took on his body and finances. His honesty struck a chord with many people facing similar battles.
From Connecticut Kid to Teen Idol
James / IG / James David Van Der Beek was born in 1977 in Cheshire, Connecticut. He was the oldest of three children and caught the acting bug in middle school.
At 15, he told his mother he wanted to audition professionally, and she took him to New York City to make it happen.
He landed a role in the off-Broadway play "Finding the Sun" and later earned a scholarship to Drew University. College had its place, but acting pulled harder. Small film roles followed, including Rick Sanford in "Angus" and a part in "I Love You, I Love You Not" alongside Claire Danes.
Everything changed when he auditioned for "Dawson’s Creek." He was 20 years old, reading for a 15-year-old dreamer named Dawson Leery. At first, he did not think the role was right for him, but once he read the script, he was all in. Creator Kevin Williamson believed in him, even when some executives did not. Williamson pushed for Van Der Beek, insisting he was Dawson. That call shaped a generation of television.
"Dawson’s Creek" ran for six seasons from 1998 to 2003. The show also starred Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams. It turned its young cast into household names and made Van Der Beek the face of earnest, emotional teen drama.
Beyond Capeside
In 1999, James starred in the football drama "Varsity Blues," delivering the famous speech that fans still quote. He followed it with roles in "Texas Rangers" and the dark satire "The Rules of Attraction."
Later on, he showed a playful side, poking fun at his teen idol image. He appeared in Kevin Smith’s "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" and returned years later for "Jay and Silent Bob Reboot." He proved he could laugh at himself, and audiences loved him for it.
In 2019, he competed on "Dancing with the Stars" for Season 28. He dedicated several performances to his family and shared personal struggles during the competition. Viewers saw a more vulnerable, grounded version of the actor they thought they knew.
Behind the scenes, he built a full life. He married Kimberly Van Der Beek, and together they had six children. The icon often said fatherhood was the role that mattered most.
The Soft-eyed Actor Struggled with Stage 3 Cancer
James / IG / When Van Der Beek announced his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, he talked about treatment, fear, and the pressure of providing for a large family while fighting a serious illness.
The financial strain became real. After his death, his wife shared a GoFundMe link, explaining that the cost of medical care had drained their resources. The campaign said they were trying to stay in their home and maintain stability for their children.
In recent months, he auctioned memorabilia from "Dawson’s Creek" and "Varsity Blues" to help cover expenses. It was not a flashy move, but it was honest. Fans responded with support and gratitude for the memories he had given them.
The "Dawson’s Creek" crew recently reunited for a fundraiser in New York City. Van Der Beek planned to attend but had to cancel due to illness, appearing virtually to thank Michelle Williams and the others for organizing the event.
After his passing, tributes poured in. Busy Philipps called him one in a billion and said she was grateful for their friendship. Katie Holmes shared a handwritten note praising his compassion and selflessness.
Emma Slater, his partner on "Dancing with the Stars," wrote that he would always be family to her. Kevin Smith remembered him as generous and funny, someone who showed up ready to play.
On his 48th birthday last March, Van Der Beek posted a candid video reflecting on life and mortality. He said facing death forced him to rethink how he defined himself.
James Van Der Beek leaves behind his wife, six children, and a body of work that shaped late 90s pop culture.