‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle

James Van Der Beek, best known for his iconic role in the hit 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly, announced the news on social media, saying he passed away peacefully, facing his final days with courage, faith and grace. Tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, who described his death as a profound loss not only to his family but to the world. A GoFundMe campaign launched to support his widow and six children raised over $200,000 within the first hour.

Van Der Beek revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, discovered during a routine colonoscopy the previous year. He had initially chosen to deal with the illness privately while undergoing treatment and focusing on his health, later sharing updates about his journey on social media. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to engage with fans and document his fight with resilience and openness.

A Connecticut native, Van Der Beek rose to fame as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, starring alongside Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes. The series, which aired from 1998 to 2003, made him a teen heartthrob and cultural icon of the early 2000s. Beyond television, he built a diverse career with more than 60 film and TV credits, including memorable roles in Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction.

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