Dawson's Creek Creator Honors Van Der Beek

Kevin Williamson, the visionary behind "Dawson's Creek," is publicly acknowledging the widespread grief following the death of actor James Van Der Beek. Williamson conveyed his profound appreciation for the outpouring of support from fans since the news of Van Der Beek's passing broke on Wednesday, February 11th, 2026. He shared his personal struggle to articulate the late actor's brilliance, suggesting that finding the right words may take time.

Williamson extended his heartfelt condolences to Van Der Beek's wife, Kimberly, and their family. He specifically assured Kimberly that the extended "Dawson's Creek" community remains a steadfast source of support for her and her children. It was confirmed that Van Der Beek had been engaged in a battle with cancer over the past few years, though the official cause of death has not yet been released.

James Van Der Beek's significant career began when Williamson cast him as the lead in "Dawson's Creek," favoring him over Joshua Jackson for his unique portrayal of nervousness and anxiety. Over the subsequent 25 years, Van Der Beek built an impressive filmography, appearing in notable projects such as "Varsity Blues," "Scary Movie," "How I Met Your Mother," and "Pose."