James Van Der Beek Dead at 48 After Cancer Battle

James Van Der Beek didn’t want to wait to live his life to the fullest.

The actor, best known for playing the lead role in Dawson’s Creek, passed away on February 11th after a fight with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.

James Van Der Beek, known for his role in Varsity Blues, is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning, according to a statement shared on Instagram. He faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace. His family plans to share more about his wishes and passions later, but for now, they ask for privacy as they mourn the loss of their husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

James received support from his family and former Dawson’s Creek colleagues – including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams – throughout his health struggles. They sent well wishes when he had to miss the cast’s reunion in September.

Katie shared on Instagram how much her three loved ones—James, Josh, and Michelle—mean to her. She wrote about their special connection and the journey they’ve shared together since April 1997, simply stating, ‘I love you.’

James, we believe in you and are here for you,” she said. “We’re also incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported James and his family, both from the start and continuing now.

As someone who keeps an eye on rising stars, I remember James first making a splash as a teen! He started with some stage work in an off-Broadway production called Finding the Sun back in ’93, and quickly moved into TV with a role on Clarissa Explains It All. He even did a short stint on As the World Turns before really hitting his stride with Dawson’s Creek. That show, of course, ran for six amazing seasons, from ’98 to ’03, and is what most people still remember him for!

Following his role as Dawson Leery, James Van Der Beek landed notable parts on shows like One Tree Hill, How I Met Your Mother, and Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23. But becoming a father was the most fulfilling role of all, beginning when he and his wife, Kimberly, welcomed their daughter, Olivia, in September 2010.

Olivia’s arrival came one month after the couple officially said, “I do.”

Oh my gosh, you guys, can you believe it? James – you might remember he was married to Heather McComb way back from 2003 to 2009 – posted the sweetest thing on Instagram! He was reminiscing and said that fifteen years ago today, Kimberly Vander agreed to marry him! He called her the most extraordinary person he’s ever met! Seriously, @vanderkimberly, he’s totally smitten, and it’s adorable!