James Van Der Beek, star of “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues,” has died at age 48, in keeping with his publicist and a submit from his spouse on social media.
Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 that he had been recognized with colorectal most cancers. His explanation for demise was not shared.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek handed peacefully this morning,” his spouse Kimberly wrote on Instagram. “He met his last days with braveness, religion, and charm. There’s a lot to share concerning his needs, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. These days will come. For now we ask for peaceable privateness as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and pal.”
Van Der Beek’s publicist Whitney Tancred confirmed his demise to CBS Information.
Van Der Beek told People magazine in 2024 that he was “feeling good” regardless of the prognosis. He didn’t present different particulars of the illness and mentioned he was “taking steps to resolve it,” however didn’t specify what therapy he acquired. In November 2025, he mentioned he was auctioning gadgets from his profession to assist pay for therapy.
Van Der Beek rose to fame because the titular Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek,” which ran from 1998 to 2003. In 1999, he landed the lead within the movie “Varsity Blues.” He continued to look usually in films and tv, together with enjoying a fictionalized model of himself in “Do not Belief the B—- in Residence 23” in 2012.
Van Der Beek was married to actress Heather McComb from 2003 to 2009. In 2010, he married enterprise guide Kimberly Brook. They share six kids. Van Der Beek mentioned his spouse suffered multiple miscarriages.
Colorectal most cancers has turn out to be a number one explanation for cancer-related deaths for Individuals underneath the age of fifty, and instances have been rising in that age group in recent times. Based on the American Cancer Society, signs could embrace blood within the stool, modifications in bowel habits, stomach ache, bloated abdomen, unexplained weight reduction, vomiting and fatigue.
“Dawson’s Creek” co-stars, mates react to Van Der Beek’s demise
“Dawson’s Creek” co-star Busy Philipps referred to as Van Der Beek “one in a billion” and mentioned he “will likely be ceaselessly missed.”
“I’m simply so so unhappy. He was my pal and that i beloved him and I am so grateful for our friendship all these years,” Philipps mentioned in an Instagram post.
One other “Dawson’s Creek” co-star, Chad Michael Murray, mentioned on social media that Van Der Beek “impressed all of us.”
“Sending love and lightweight to your stunning household. James was an enormous,” Murray mentioned in an Instagram post. “We’re so so so sorry for what you are going via. His phrases, artwork and humanity impressed all of us- he impressed us to be higher in all methods. God bless you guys.”
Retired wrestler Stacy Keibler mentioned in a social media submit that she spent the previous few days with Van Der Beek, saying she has “by no means been so current in my life.” Within the submit, Van Der Beek was pictured sitting in a wheelchair subsequent to Keibler, wanting on the sundown.
“When time is sacred, you do not waste a single breath,” Keibler wrote on Instagram. “You do not rush. You do not scroll. You do not fear about tomorrow. You sit. You pay attention. You maintain fingers. You watch the sky change colours and also you let it change you too.”
Actor and “Dancing with the Stars” host Alfonso Ribeiro shared on social media that he was “damaged” over the demise and referred to as Van Der Beek a “true pal brother and life information.”
“I used to be with him via this horrible journey to beat most cancers,” Ribeiro mentioned on Instagram. “His household and mates went on this curler coaster trip. The highs when it appeared like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming again. I’ve realized a lot from james. He and [Kimberly] modified my life. I’ll ceaselessly be in debt for all they’ve given me and my household.”
