James David Van Der Beek, the American actor widely recognized for his leading role on Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed that he passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, surrounded by family.
Van Der Beek rose to prominence in the late 1990s portraying Dawson Leery on the hit WB television series, a role that helped define an era of teen drama and established him as a household name. Beyond that breakout performance, he built a diverse career in both film and television, appearing in projects such as Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction, CSI: Cyber, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
He publicly revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer after previously keeping his health struggle private. In the time that followed, he spoke openly about his experience, emphasizing resilience and raising awareness about the disease.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children. His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans who remembered him for his talent, kindness, and devotion to his family.