Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek dies of bowel cancer at 48
James Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leary, has passed away after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fans and colleagues pay tribute to his legacy as an actor and supporter of cancer awareness.
Television fans around the world are mourning the death of James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leary on the hit American teen drama. Dawson’s Creek. Van der Beek, 48, died after a battle with bowel cancer, his family announced on social media, remembering him with “courage, faith and grace”.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” the family said. “He faced his final days with courage, faith and grace.” The actor was diagnosed with the disease in late 2023, although he only made his diagnosis public in November 2024.
About James Van Der Beek
Van der Beek was a familiar face to audiences in the late 1990s and early 2000s. except for Dawson’s CreekSeen in films like varsity Blues and went on to have a diverse career in television and film.
The actor, a father of six, first noticed changes in health when he experienced symptoms related to bowel movements, prompting him to undergo medical tests. Doctors diagnosed him with stage three bowel cancer that had spread to his lymph nodes.
During his treatment, Van der Beek spoke openly about the emotional toll of his illness, and described a period when he struggled with his sense of identity. “All these beautiful things that I love, and how I used to define myself — a father, a provider, a husband — all of that was taken away, or at least put on hold,” he told media outlets. “I had to sit there and say, ‘Well, what am I?’ And it was, ‘I’m still worthy of love.’
After his diagnosis, he became an advocate of early detection and urged others to pay attention to symptoms. “I have learned a lot,” he said. business insider. “If I can save anyone from going through this, that’s magic.” He continued to work while ill, including a recent guest role in the Prime Video comedy overcompensate.
Van der Beek also attended a charity reunion virtually Dawson’s CreekWhich raised money for F Cancer, an organization focused on cancer support and research. In earlier interviews, he has reflected on his life and career, once stating that he never planned to become an actor as a child, and instead dreamed of becoming an athlete.
emotions are surging
Tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry following the announcement of his death. Actress Busy Phillips expressed sympathy to fans and loved ones, writing on Instagram that her “heart is breaking.” She said she was “heartbroken” for her family.
Many fellow artists also paid tribute to him. Sarah Michelle Gellar offered her condolences, saying, “Although James’ legacy will live on forever, this is a great loss not only to your family but to the world.” Olivia Munn sent prayers to Van Der Beek’s “beautiful family”, while Jennifer Garner called his passing a “heartbreaking loss” and sent love to his widow Kimberly and their children. Model Tess Holliday also prayed for the family.
Officer Dawson’s Creek Accounts honored Van Der Beek’s contributions to television, noting that “his iconic portrayal of Dawson Leary helped define a generation of television for fans and continues to resonate with audiences today.” The actors’ union SAG-AFTRA, which Van Der Beek joined in 1994, recognized her for “bringing honesty, depth and heart to her performances.”
Close friend and actor Hal Ozson wrote, “There will be a James-sized hole in my heart for the rest of my life,” reflecting the depth of grief felt by those who knew him personally.
