Actor Van Der Beek Dies of Colon Cancer at 48

Actor James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48. His death was attributed to colorectal cancer, a disease he publicly disclosed in November 2025. Van Der Beek expressed surprise at his diagnosis, noting he was in excellent health and had no apparent warning signs.

In a prior interview, Van Der Beek shared that a change in his bowel habits was an early indicator he initially attributed to coffee consumption. This symptom, along with others like blood in stool, unexplained weight loss, and abdominal pain, are considered primary red flags for colorectal cancer. He also mentioned being unaware that the recommended screening age had dropped to 45.

Van Der Beek underwent a colonoscopy in 2023, which confirmed his cancer diagnosis shortly after he came off anesthetic. He described the initial shock and the silent drive home with his wife. Despite the gravity of the news, he adopted a positive outlook, viewing the diagnosis as an opportunity for life-altering positive changes.

He had previously shared in December 2025 that he was feeling significantly better, characterizing his recovery as a demanding but strength-building journey. This news of his passing has deeply affected the entertainment industry, highlighting the impact of colorectal cancer.