Home / Arts and Entertainment / Dawson's Creek Star Van Der Beek Dies at 48
Dawson's Creek Star Van Der Beek Dies at 48
12 Feb
Summary
- Actor James Van Der Beek passed away at 48.
- He bravely fought stage 3 colorectal cancer.
- He was a loving husband and father of six.

Hollywood is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the actor famous for his role as Dawson in 'Dawson's Creek.' He passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48 following a diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023.
Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, shared the news, highlighting his courage and grace during his illness. The couple, married since 2010, shared six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. Van Der Beek often spoke about fatherhood being his greatest honor and his family being a source of healing.
Born in 1977, Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late '90s. Beyond 'Dawson's Creek,' he starred in 'Varsity Blues' and 'The Rules of Attraction,' and made notable appearances in 'How I Met Your Mother.' Following his diagnosis, he openly discussed his cancer journey, advocating for screenings and sharing his appreciation for his marriage and family.
Friends and fans have rallied around the Van Der Beek family, with a GoFundMe campaign exceeding its goal to support medical bills and the children's future, a testament to the actor's impact.




