James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at age 48 following a battle with bowel cancer. His family announced his death on Wednesday, sharing that he faced his final days “with courage, faith and grace.”
The actor captivated audiences as the titular character in Dawson’s Creek, which aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003, launching him into stardom.
A Flood of Tributes From Co-Stars and Celebrities
Fellow actors and industry figures are sharing heartfelt memories of Van Der Beek, remembering him as a gifted performer and a kind soul.
Katie Holmes, who starred alongside Van Der Beek in Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten letter on Instagram, expressing her gratitude for having been a part of his journey. “This is a lot to process,” she wrote. “He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”
Busy Philipps, another Dawson’s Creek co-star, also took to Instagram to share her grief, months after a cast reunion was organized to raise money for Van Der Beek’s cancer treatment. “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,” she wrote, adding that she was “profoundly heartbroken” for his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. “James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.”
Kerr Smith, who shared the screen with Van Der Beek for five seasons, expressed his gratitude for their brotherhood, stating, “I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”
Reunion Effort and Final Days
In September, a reunion event was held to support Van Der Beek and the charity F Cancer, drawing former co-stars like Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson. Van Der Beek had intended to attend but was unable to due to complications from two stomach viruses. Lin-Manuel Miranda, creator of Hamilton, stepped in to take his place, expressing his “whole heart” was with the family.
Kimberly Van Der Beek released a statement on behalf of the family, saying, “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.”
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek married in 2010 and shared six children.
Chad Michael Murray, of One Tree Hill fame, who also appeared in 12 episodes of Dawson’s Creek, described Van Der Beek as a “giant,” whose “words, art and humanity inspired all of us.”
Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed Dawson’s mother on the show, said she was “at a loss for words,” calling him her “gracious warrior.”
Van Der Beek’s career spanned both film and television, with credits including Varsity Blues, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and CSI: Cyber. He also took on a fictionalized version of himself in Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23 and appeared in the first season of the FX drama Pose.
Tributes poured in from a wide range of celebrities, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ben Stiller, Selma Blair, Alec Baldwin, Melissa Joan Hart, Christie Brinkley, and Rosie O’Donnell.
Reese Witherspoon shared on Instagram, “Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.”
Ashton Kutcher posted on X, stating he had “the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” while Alyssa Milano said he cherished his role as a husband and father, adding, “There are few who cherish that role more deeply than he did.” Jennifer Garner called his death a “heartbreaking” loss.
A GoFundMe page established to support the family was shared on Kimberly Van Der Beek’s Instagram Stories. The page noted that the costs associated with his medical care and the prolonged fight against cancer had left the family in financial hardship. Over $1 million (approximately €842,000) has been donated to date.
Alfonso Ribeiro, who is godfather to one of Van Der Beek’s daughters, wrote on Instagram that the actor “changed my life.” Van Der Beek also competed on Dancing with the Stars in the US in 2019.
Source: Press Association
