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James Van Der Beek He died in February 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.
The Connecticut-born actor was diagnosed with the disease in August 2023, but kept it secret until November 2024. At the time, Van Der Beek revealed that he had “been dealing with this diagnosis privately and taking steps to address it” with the support of his family, including his wife. Kimberley and their six children.
Van der Beek dies This was confirmed in a statement shared via Instagram on February 11, 2026.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He lived his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the statement read. “There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity, and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our dear husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek, who was outspoken about his battle with cancer before his death, rose to fame as a teenager playing Dawson Leery in “The WB.” dawson creek. The teen drama, which aired from 1998 to 2003, made him a household name and spawned other notable projects, including the 1999 film varsity blues etc.
Keep scrolling for a look back at VanderBeek’s most popular TV and film roles:
“Dawson’s Creek”
James Van Der Beek became a teen idol because dawson creekin which he plays young wannabe filmmaker Dawson Leary. The show follows the lives of Dawson and his best friend Joey (Katie Holmes), good friend Pacey (joshua jackson), the girl next door Jen (Michelle Williams)etc.
“It’s difficult to compete with a cultural phenomenon. dawson creek Yes,” Van de Beek told vulture 2013.
Cast dawson creek Reunion in September 2025 Watch a live script reading from the 1998 pilot episode in support of F Cancer. Although Van de Beek was supposed to attend the event in person, he announced the day before that he would have to miss out due to illness. He eventually made a cameo via video announcement.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” the actor said. “I can’t believe I can’t hug my cast, my beautiful cast, in person, and I just want to stand on that stage and say thank you to everyone who was here tonight – from the cast to the crew to everyone who donated their time and was so generous. Especially every last one of you. You are the best fans in the world. Thank you for coming.”
“Varsity Blues”
soon after dawson creek After his debut, Van Der Beek played the role of Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, an academically successful but rebellious backup quarterback for his high school football team, in this 1999 sports comedy varsity blues. Jon Voight, Paul Walker, Ron Lester and Scott Kane Also starred in the film.
In November 2025, Van de Beek announced that he would become Auction items from both sides dawson creek and varsity blues to help pay for the costs associated with his cancer treatment.
“Don’t trust B in apartment 23”
In 2012, Van Der Beek starred in the sitcom Don’t trust B in Apartment 23— as a fictional version of himself. The series also stars Krysten Ritter and Drima Walker.
“Law of Attraction”
Van Der Beek played a dark character in the 2002 black comedy law of attractionn, based on Bret Easton Ellis‘1987 novel. Van Der Beek plays Sean Bateman, a drug dealer from Berlin, New Hampshire, and the younger brother of protagonist Patrick Bateman. american psycho.
The film also stars Shani Sossamon, Ian Somerhalder, jessica biel, Kate Bosworth, Kip Pardue and Joel Micheli.
