By Chalien Dantes 

Actor James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48.

 His death was confirmed at 6:44 am yesterday, though no official cause has been released. In late 2024, Van Der Beek revealed he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. 

At the time, he shared that he remained hopeful despite the difficult road ahead. Rather than retreat from the spotlight, he used his platform to help others facing similar fights.

Just weeks after going public with his diagnosis, he appeared in a two-hour special of The Real Full Monty aimed at raising awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer testing and research. Health challenges forced him to miss a planned Dawson’s Creek reunion in September, but he still found a way to take part. He made a surprise virtual appearance during the event, introducing Lin-Manuel Miranda, who read lines on his behalf.

In the months that followed, Van Der Beek spoke openly about how the illness had changed his outlook. In December 2025, he described cancer as a turning point that led him toward a healthier and more faith-centred life.

Van Der Beek became a teen idol in the late 1990s as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek. He later expanded his range with parts in films like Varsity Blues and Scary Movie, and in television comedies such as Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. Over the years, he also made memorable appearances on hit series including How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, and Pose. He is survived by his wife, Kimberley, and their six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.