What happened to James Van Der Beek, the star of "Varsity Blues"?

James Van Der Beek, who played Jonathan "Mox" Moxon in the 1999 film "Varsity Blues," was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in late 2024 at the age of 47. As of July 2025, he told Today that he was "feeling great" despite the diagnosis.

What happened to Paul Walker, the actor who played Lance Harbor in "Varsity Blues"?

Paul Walker, who played the injured star quarterback Lance Harbor in "Varsity Blues," tragically passed away in a car accident in 2013 at the age of 40. He is survived by his daughter, Meadow, who founded the Paul Walker Foundation to continue his philanthropic legacy.

How have the other "Varsity Blues" cast members fared since the film's release?

The other "Varsity Blues" cast members have had varied experiences since the film's release in 1999. Some, like Jon Voight, who played Coach Bud Kilmer, have continued to build impressive acting careers, while others, like Ron Lester, who played Billy Bob, have faced health issues and passed away.

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"Varsity Blues" Star James Van Der Beek Battles Cancer, Remains Resilient

28 Sep, 2025

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Summary

James Van Der Beek diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024 at age 47
Van Der Beek feeling "great" despite cancer diagnosis as of July 2025
Paul Walker, who played Lance Harbor, tragically died in a car accident in 2013

"Varsity Blues" Star James Van Der Beek Battles Cancer, Remains Resilient

As of September 2025, the cast of the 1999 film "Varsity Blues" has gone on to pursue a wide range of careers, both in and out of the spotlight. James Van Der Beek, who played the brainy backup quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon, has continued his acting career, appearing in shows like "Dawson's Creek" and "Pose." However, in late 2024, Van Der Beek revealed to PEOPLE that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at the age of 47.

Despite the challenging diagnosis, Van Der Beek has remained resilient. In July 2025, he told Today that he was "feeling great" and described his cancer journey as a "process" that will likely continue for the rest of his life. Tragically, another "Varsity Blues" star, Paul Walker, who played the injured star quarterback Lance Harbor, passed away in a car accident in 2013 at the age of 40.