James Van Der Beek, who played the title role in hit TV series Dawson’s Creek and also starred in features including Varsity Blues, has died, aged 48. The American actor had revealed that he was battling cancer in November 2024.
After getting his start as a teenage stage actor in New York, Van Der Beek landed the title role in Dawson’s Creek, starring with Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and others in the teen drama that ran from 1998 to 2003 on the WB network.
During the series’ run he also appeared in features including 1999 Paramount sports drama Varsity Blues, 2000 spoof Scary Movie and 2002 dramedy The Rules Of Attraction. Among his later films was Alexander Payne’s 2017 social satire Downsizing.
According to a statement by his family posted on Instagram, Van Der Beek “passed peacefully” on Wednesday (February 11). “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” said the statement. “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.”
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