Actor James Van Der Beek Dies At 48

Fans of Dawson Creek are in mourning today.

Actor James Van der Beek, best known for his role on the hit show Dawson’s Creek, has died at 48.

His death comes a year after he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

Here was a video Van Der Beek made shortly after he was diagnosed with cancer:

The guy from Dawson’s Creek just made me tear up pic.twitter.com/Fa9T2opuYk

— CCP IS ASSHOE (@CCPISASSH0E) March 9, 2025

People had more details on the actor’s death:

James Van Der Beek has died.

The actor, best known for his roles in Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, died after a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced the news on Instagram.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote. “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.”

Van Der Beek, who shares six kids with Kimberly (daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4) first shared his cancer diagnosis exclusively with PEOPLE in November 2024, saying he was focusing on his health and family.

“I have colorectal cancer,” he revealed. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

Here’s how users on X reacted to Van Der Beek’s death:

Heartbreaking: James Van Der Beek has sadly passed away at the age of 48.

James leaves behind a wife and six children.

Thank you for all the memories 💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/817d5JM5J0

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 11, 2026

As a dad of 2 in his 40s, hearing the news of James Van Der Beek passing at just 48, leaving behind a large young family hits home.

Grew up with Dawsons Creek on the telly and loved Varsity Blues.

Prayers to his young family.

A reminder of how precious our time here is. pic.twitter.com/jtsUIWrx9O

— Bosch (@boschmerchant) February 11, 2026

Van Der Beek, before being diagnosed with cancer, was very vocal about calling out the DNC:

James Van Der Beek dies at 48. cancer.

May 31, 2023. He posted this video shitting on the DNC.

His name is not in the Epstein Files.

RIP pic.twitter.com/T4BP9aAIIj

— MJTruthUltra (@MJTruthUltra) February 11, 2026