Teen heartthrob James Van Der Beek died. The actor, best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the teen soap opera Dawson’s Creek, was 48 years old.
The announcement:
His family took to Instagram to share the tragic news. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.”
“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.”
James revealed his diagnosis of Stage 3 colon cancer in November 2024.
The Dawson’s Creek cast and crew remained friends til the end:
Last fall, the cast teamed up with F Cancer for a charity event in New York City to support James Van Der Beek, who was battling stage 3 cancer at the time.
Five-time Academy Award nominee/Dawson’s Creek alum, Michelle Williams, chimed in to share her excitement. “We grew up in Capeside, and that’s a bond that will last a lifetime.”
“We wanted to gather around our dear friend, James, and remind him that we are all here.” Michelle continued, “We always have been and we always will be. I know the fans of Dawson’s Creek feel the same way.”
James took to Instagram to share how “gutted” he was that his health didn’t allow him to participate in the reunion. Hamilton writer/star Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in James’s place for the event.
The influence:
While Dawson’s Creek made having an extensive vocabulary cool, James’s character helped raise a generation of Cinephiles.
Speaking of … James’s film, Varsity Blues, taught many of us about Texas football culture.
@tasteof__reality #jamesvanderbeek #ripjamesvanderbeek #varsityblues #varsitybluesmovie #greenscreen ♬ original sound – Taste of Reality
