James Van Der Beek, beloved star of Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues, has died, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed on Wednesday. He was 48.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote on social media Wednesday afternoon. “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.
Van Der Beek was best known for his role as sweet-hearted film buff Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which made him an instant star after it premiered in 1998. He followed up his big breakout by starring in the decidedly more adult comedy/drama Varsity Blues, in which he played a backup quarterback thrust into the spotlight in a football-obsessed Texas town.
Van Der Beek continued acting in the ensuing decades, landing starring roles in an eclectic range of TV shows, including Pose, CSI: Cyber, Friends with Better Lives and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. He also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2019.
His final acting role was in the Amazon Prime series Elle, a prequel to the 2001 film Legally Blonde. The show is scheduled to premiere later this year.
He announced in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer the previous year and used his celebrity to advocate for funding for cancer research.
In response to news of his death, Van Der Beek’s costars, loved ones and a long list of other people that he connected with during his decades in Hollywood took time to honor his memory.
Sarah Michelle Gellar: “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F*** Cancer.”
Busy Phillips: “James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say.”
Kerr Smith: “I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest easy.”
Paul Walter Hauser: “I know you’re in Heaven being pampered with love. The Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we’ll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family.”
Nikki Reed: “You still hold the prize for wisest person I’ve ever known. Every piece of advice, every nugget of life experience you shared was a treasure that I’ll hold close forever.”
Jenna Dewan: “I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul. My love and prayers with Kim and the entire family.”
Rosie O’Donnell: “too soon too young”
Christie Brinkley: “His kindness radiated, his love for his family was palpable it sparkled , everybody loved him.”
David Denman: “One of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. 💔 RIP brother.”
Alec Baldwin: “We lost another good one. I only met him in passing, but he was a really, really decent guy.”
Patricia Arquette: “Love you. James was one of a kind. The best. People can support on- go fund me look up Support for James Van Der Beek’s family to support through this time.”
David Boreanaz: “RIP Brother”
Dancing with the Stars: “James brought passion, vulnerability, and determination to the ballroom and connected deeply with audiences through his journey on Dancing with the Stars.”
Jason Behr: What a beautiful and kind soul. Very grateful to have had or time.
Joel McHale: “One of the best and most kind there ever will be”
Steve Kazee: “My time with you was brief but the depth of that time was vast. I always appreciated how deeply you loved your family and your kids and how much work you did on yourself to be an even better father than you already were.”
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