James Van Der Beek was a generational icon.
The star was best known for his role as Dawson Leery on The WB hit series Dawson’s Creek, which aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003.
Van Der Beek was also well known for his iconic roles in films such as Varsity Blues, Scary Movie, and, most recently, the Tubi Original Sidelined franchise.
(Tubi/Screenshot)
But most of us remember him best from Dawson’s Creek.
It was the pinnacle of young adult programming in its era, becoming one of the most popular television series of its time and launching the careers of him and fellow talents Joshua Jackson and Katie Holmes.
Whether we rooted for Dawson and Joey and their “Boy and Girl Next Door” charm as friends to lovers, or we were all-in on Joey and Pacey, it doesn’t change the fact that when it comes to teen romances and love triangles, Van Der Beek delivered one of the best.
Known for his boyish charm and good looks, Van Der Beek enchanted viewers from the beginning, and he went on to have an even more successful career, delivering comedy with as much ease as he did drama.
And no matter the role he took on, he always had a natural ability to stand out.
(WB/Screenshot)
To this day, his Criminal Minds two-parter as the unsub Tobias remains one of the series’ most memorable and widely discussed, and Van Der Beek solidified his place as a talent who could span genres and win over audiences along the way.
He also famously played a version of himself on CBS’ Don’t Trust the B– in Apartment 23.
Van Der Beek announced in November of 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 Colorectal Cancer.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” Van Der Beek shared on Instagram on Nov. 3, 2024. “Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.”
He went on to chronicle his journey fighting cancer and inspiring many via his work.
(CBS/Monty Brinton)
Van Der Beek also devoted much of his time advocating for cancer awareness.
Not even a month after sharing his diagnosis, he joined the cast of The Full Monty. It featured other big names, including Taye Diggs and Tyler Posey, to strip down in awareness for prostate, testicular, and other cancers.
His fear was palpable, but so was his high spirits, and he inspired many of the men around him as a result.
He was set to reunite with his Dawson’s Creek castmates in September for a Cast Reunion bit, but he was too ill to attend.
However, it didn’t stop him from joining via Zoom to express his passion for the project and love for his co-stars and fans.
(Danny Feld/TNT)
Van Der Beek has had quite the battle, and sadly, he’s succumbed to the fight.
But via his wife, Kimberly, on Instagram, she shared:
“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.”
The beloved actor leaves behind a wife, six children, and many friends and devoted fans.
May he rest peacefully.
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