Hollywood is mourning the loss of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek.
The actor’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced Wednesday that the actor died amid his battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48.
In a statement shared on Van Der Beek’s Instagram, Kimberly confirmed his death, writing, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The father of six kids, Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 that he had “been privately dealing” with the cancer diagnosis since August 2023. The cancer was in Stage 3.
Starring in roles on both the big and small screen, Van Der Beek is most recognized for starring as Dawson Leery on The WB teen melodrama Dawson’s Creek, which ran for six seasons. The show premiered on Jan. 20, 1998, and was broadcast through May 14, 2003.
During two summer hiatuses from the hit series, Van Der Beek starred as the principled Texas high school quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon in Varsity Blues (1999) and as Sean Bateman in the Bret Easton Ellis adaptation The Rules of Attraction (2002), written and directed by Roger Avary.
Other roles include recurring stints on One Tree Hill, How I Met Your Mother and Friends With Better Lives. He also starred in the NBC medical drama Mercy (the show lasted one season), Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, the CBS’ spinoff CSI: Cyber, Viceland show What Would Diplo Do?, FX drama Pose in 2018, and voiced the co-owner of the Scare B&B on the 2017-21 Disney Jr. series Vampirina.
His film roles included Harvest (2001), Texas Rangers (2001), Standing Still (2005), Formosa Betrayed (2009), The Big Bang (2010), Backwards (2012), Jason Reitman’s Labor Day (2013), Alexander Payne’s Downsizing (2017) and Bad Hair (2020).
He competed on Dancing With the Stars in 2018 and The Masked Singer last year. He was announced in May 2025 to have a recurring role in Elle, a Legally Blonde prequel set up at Prime Video. The show, which got an early season two renewal last month, is set to premiere in July. (See photos of his most memorable roles.)
Following news of his death, a myriad of stars paid tribute to the actor.
In comments shared on his Instagram post announcing his death, Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote, “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. Fuck Cancer.”
“Sending love and light to your beautiful family,” Chad Michael Murray, who starred alongside Van Der Beek on One Tree Hill, wrote. “James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”
Dancing With the Stars pro Emma Slater, who was partnered with Van Der Beek on Season 28, wrote, “I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.”
His Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23 co-star Krysten Ritter shared a tribute on her Instagram Story. “Really hard news today,” Ritter wrote over a photo of her and Van Der Beek. “Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathic, kind, talented and just pure magic. I’m so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken. All my love goes out to his amazing wife Kimberly and their children.”
Nahnatchka Khan, the creator of Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23, said in a statement to THR, “James was truly one of a kind. So warm, generous, and hilarious. He had the best sense of humor and an amazing laugh. We were all so fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him and even more than that, to know him and his beautiful family. He made us all better, and we will miss him dearly.”
Van Der Beek’s final role will be a recurring part in Prime Video’s Legally Blonde prequel Elle, which is due to premiere in July. In a statement, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios said, “James Van Der Beek began his career as a beloved teen icon, and audiences have connected with his breadth and depth of work ever since. He was a husband, father, consummate professional, and, most recently, a vocal advocate for cancer awareness. We are proud to have worked with him as a creative partner on Overcompensating and the upcoming Elle, where his gift for comedic timing led to memorable performances. We are deeply saddened by his passing and send our heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and his many fans.”
Noah Beck, who played his son in Sidelined: The QB and Me and Sidelined 2: Intercepted, wrote in a tribute on his Instagram Story, “Man, this one hurts. James u were the best, so kind, so caring, so thoughtful, so talented, great father, and just an absolute inspiration of a human being. I feel so incredibly lucky to have met u and share the screen with u as my father. U were the best mentor I could ask for… My thoughts are w u and ur family … fly high JVB.”
Fox Entertainment said in a statement, “We are heartbroken by the passing of James Van Der Beek. An extraordinarily gifted actor, he was adored by generations of audiences for his breakthrough roles and thoughtful performances. When we began casting FOX’s cancer awareness special The Real Full Monty, James was among the first to step forward. Facing his own health challenges, he chose to share his story with remarkable courage and generosity, using his voice to raise awareness around cancer screening and encourage others to take their health seriously. Our hearts are with his wife, Kimberly, their children, and all who loved him. He will be remembered not only for his body of work, but for his warmth, honesty, and grace.”
Paul Walter Hauser shared the GoFundMe set up by Van Der Beek’s family, writing, “Love you, James. I know you’re in Heaven being pampered with love. The Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we’ll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family. Thanks for the body of work and for being one of the good guys.”
Jennifer Garner commented, “What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time.”
“I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family,” wrote Jenna Dewan.
Katharine Foster wrote “This is just beyond devastating news. I’m so so sorry for your loss. God bless you all.
Lance Bass wrote, “We are sending your beautiful family so much love. Safe travels James. You made this world a better place.”
Kate Walsh commented support to Van Der Beek’s wife, writing, “Sending love, light & strength to you dear.”
The Bachelorette star Hannah Brown wrote, “This is heartbreaking to hear. I am beyond thankful to have met James and experienced this light, joy and talent. Sending your beautiful family so much love and prayers.”
Read more tributes below. This post will be updated as more are shared.
Mike Barnes contributed to this report.
Original Article on Hollywood Reporter