Television audiences worldwide are mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame as Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama Dawson’s Creek. He passed away peacefully at the age of 48 after battling stage three bowel cancer, his family confirmed in a heartfelt statement shared on social media. They remembered him for facing his final days with “courage, faith and grace.”
Diagnosed in late 2023, Van Der Beek publicly revealed his condition in November 2024. The cancer had spread to his lymph nodes, and he underwent treatment while continuing to work and support charitable causes. Throughout his illness, he spoke openly about the emotional challenges he faced, reflecting on identity, fatherhood, and self-worth. He also became a strong advocate for early cancer screenings, encouraging others to pay attention to warning signs and seek timely medical advice.
Beyond Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek appeared in films such as Varsity Blues and built a diverse career across television and film. A father of six, he participated virtually in a charity reunion supporting cancer research and continued acting, including a guest role in Overcompensating.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from across the entertainment industry. Co-stars and fellow actors including Busy Philipps, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Olivia Munn, and Jennifer Garner expressed their condolences. SAG-AFTRA and official Dawson’s Creek accounts also honoured his lasting contribution to television, noting that his portrayal of Dawson Leery defined a generation.
