Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek is dead

He became known to a global audience as the lead actor in the TV series "Dawson's Creek". Now James Van Der Beek is dead. The actor died at the age of 48, according to several media outlets including Variety.

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. He made the diagnosis public in 2024. His family announced the news of his death on Instagram:

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 role of a lifetime

Born in Cheshire, Connecticut in 1977, James Van Der Beek had his breakthrough as the lead actor in "Dawson's Creek". As the eponymous protagonist Dawson Leery, he played a teenager who dreams of becoming a great director like his role model Steven Spielberg. At the same time, he struggles with first love and other everyday problems that come with being a teenager. He appeared alongside other young stars such as Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson in all six seasons of "Dawson's Creek". The series ran from 1998 to 2003.

In September last year, the "Dawson's Creek" cast held a reunion in New York City. The main actors gave a reading in support of the charity organization F Cancer, which is committed to helping cancer patients, and to raise funds for Van Der Beek. However, he was too ill to be able to attend himself. At the time, "Dawson's Creek" creator Kevin Williamson spoke about the upcoming reunion and talked about the importance of the series and Van Der Beek:

What began as a personal story about a young man and his friends navigating their way through the challenges of life became so much more than I ever dreamed. It created an enduring fandom and legacy all over the world. I am so honored to be a part of it and to support our beautiful friend, James, as we continue to navigate our way through life and its many challenges.

Dawson's Creek: An unforgettable series

Indeed, "Dawson's Creek" is one of the most defining coming-of-age series of the 90s and is likely to have a permanent place in the hearts of many millennials who grew up with the series. "Dawson's Creek" was characterized, among other things, by the empathetic portrayal of the young protagonists. It also impressed with its talented actors and clever dialog that did not pander to a supposedly realistic form of youth language. As Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek convincingly embodied a sensitive dreamer who always saw the good in the world. With his deeply felt idealism, he formed a counterpoint to his best friends Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson) , Joey Potter (Katie Holmes) and Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) , who took a far more disillusioned view of life. Over the course of the six seasons, however, Van Der Beek was able to give his character more and more rough edges without losing sight of the positive basic attitude.

It was a performance that people still remember fondly even after so many years and which remained the most formative character in Van Der Beek's acting career. The really big roles failed to materialize after the end of "Dawson's Creek". Over the years, however, Van Der Beek repeatedly appeared in front of the camera in various film productions and TV series. These include guest roles in popular series such as "How I Met Your Mother" and "Modern Family" as well as in feature films such as "Downsizing". He will be seen in his last role this year in the upcoming "Legally Blonde" prequel series "Elle".

Stars react to the death of James Van Der Beek

Shortly after his death, several stars commented on Van Der Beek's family's Instagram post with moving words. "I'm so sad for your beautiful family," wrote "Buffy" actress Sarah Michelle Gellar, among others. "While James' legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world."

Hollywood star Jennifer Garner left the following words: "What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time."

Cast members from his time on "Dawson's Creek" also responded on social media. Fellow actor Chad Michael Murray emphasized:

Sending love and light to your beautiful family. 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.

Moving words from Dawson's Creek co-stars

Busy Philipps, who joined the show in its fifth season as Audrey Liddell, wrote:

My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister.

Particularly moving words also came from Mary-Margaret Humes, who once played Dawson Leery's mother:

Rarely am I at a loss for words … today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity. I will always love and admire you for that.

Julie Plec, who was once part of the "Dawson's Creek" crew led by series creator Kevin Williamson, posted on Instagram: "A vibrant young man. A father and husband and friend. A generational icon."

"I'm so grateful for being able to call James a brother," explained Kerr Smith, who became another protagonist of the series as Jack McPhee. "I'll miss him deeply. Rest easy."

James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly Brook and his six children.