James Van Der Beek Dies at 48 After Battling Colorectal Cancer

Actor James Van Der Beek Dies at 48

Star of Dawson’s Creek

Battled Colorectal Cancer

The death of James Van Der Beek was reported Tuesday through his official Instagram account. He was 48 years old and had colorectal cancer.

The star of Dawson’s Creek passed away peacefully this morning, according to the message published on his profile. The news was accompanied by a photograph of the actor.

The statement requested privacy for his family during this difficult time. It also indicated that more information about his wishes and reflections would be shared later.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” the message reads.

James Van Der Beek Dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring roles in «Dawson’s Creek» and «Varsity Blues,» has died after a courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was 48. pic.twitter.com/R72CRs8l6j

— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 11, 2026

“There is much to share regarding his wishes, his love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come,” the text continues.

“For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend,” the statement concludes.

You may also like: Lili Estefan and Raúl de Molina Clash On Air Over Bad Bunny and Eduardo Verástegui Controversy

In November 2024, the actor publicly revealed that he had colorectal cancer. Since then, he used his platform to raise awareness about the disease.

He shared his experience openly and sincerely. He sought to maintain a close connection with his followers throughout the process.

Who Was James Van Der Beek?

Ver esta publicación en Instagram

Una publicación compartida por James Van Der Beek (@vanderjames)

James Van Der Beek studied at Mercersburg Academy. He later enrolled at Duke University.

Initially, he considered studying history. However, he chose to pursue acting professionally.

In the mid-1990s, he began with small roles in film and television.

His first notable opportunity came with the 1995 film Angus.

Rise to Fame

James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in ‘Dawson’s Creek’, has passed away at 48. pic.twitter.com/q1trgCNPVX

— IMDb (@IMDb) February 11, 2026

His major breakthrough came in 1998. He portrayed Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek.

The production became a cultural phenomenon. It remained on the air for six seasons, until 2003.

The role of the sensitive, film-loving teenager turned James Van Der Beek into one of the most recognizable faces of the late 1990s.

The part established him as an international teen idol. His image became closely associated with the coming-of-age drama that defined a generation.

During the show’s success, he appeared in other film productions. In 1999, he starred in Varsity Blues.

In that film, he played a high school quarterback. Later, he appeared in The Rules of Attraction in 2002.

A Diverse Career
After the end of Dawson’s Creek, the actor sought to diversify his career. He participated in independent films and various television series.

These included CSI: Cyber and the comedy Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. In the latter, he parodied an exaggerated version of himself.

There, he showed a more comedic and self-aware side. He also performed in theater and worked as a producer on independent projects.

In addition to his role in the teen drama, he gained recognition for appearances in Scary Movie, Varsity Blues and Pose.

On a personal level, he was the father of six children with his wife, Kimberly. In his most recent posts, he shared moments from his family life.

His legacy remains marked by a character that defined an era, as well as by the openness with which he faced his illness in his final months.