March 8, 1977 – February 11, 2026

James Van Der Beek, the actor who became a defining face of late ’90s television as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, died on February 11, 2026 at age 48 after a courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His family shared that he approached his final days with grace, strength, and love for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

Van Der Beek’s breakthrough as an earnest, introspective teenager captured the hearts of a generation and helped make Dawson’s Creek a cultural touchstone of its era. Beyond that iconic role, his career spanned comedic turns, dramatic work, and continued television roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.

Off screen, he was widely admired for his devotion to family and for openly sharing his health journey, encouraging greater awareness of cancer in younger adults. His legacy lives on through his work, the characters he brought to life, and the impact he had on fans around the world.