James Van Der Beek was an American actor who became a 90s teen idol for his role as Dawson Leery on the 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died. He was 48.
Van Der Beek’s family announced his death in a statement on his official Instagram page on Wednesday Feb. 11. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” the message said.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” the message added.
The Connecticut-born actor first rose to fame in 1998 when Dawson’s Creek debuted. The show, which became an iconic part of 1990s pop culture, followed a group of friends growing up in a small coastal town and made Van Der Beek into one of television’s most known young stars.
After Dawsons Creek, Van Der Beek appeared in films such as Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction and later embraced comedic and self aware-roles, including playing a version of himself on Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
Tributes flooded in from friends and co-stars following the news of his death. Many shared memories and photos on social media, remembering him as a generous colleague and devoted father.
Actor Alfonso Ribeiro, a longtime friend, shared a lengthy message on Instagram, “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend James today,” Ribeiro said.
“He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride — the highs when it looked like he had it beat, to the breaking lows of it coming back,” Ribeiro added.
Ribeiro said, “I’ve learned so much from James. He and Kimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s godfather as one of the most important roles of my life.”
“Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me,” he wrote. “RIP my brother.”
Van Der Beek has publicly shared his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, which he first disclosed in 2024. In the months before his death, he had been active in raising awareness about cancer screenings and treatments.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly and their six children.
