Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48 after suffering from bowel cancer, his family announced.
The actor was diagnosed with cancer in 2023 and he made it public in November 2024.
“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,” his family said in a brief statement.
Dawson’s Creek is an American teen drama television series about the lives of a close-knit group of friends in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts, beginning in high school and continuing into college.
It aired from January 20, 1998, to May 14, 2003, for six seasons and starred James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery; Katie Holmes as his best friend and love interest, Joey Potter; Joshua Jackson as their friend Pacey Witter; and Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley, a New York City arrival to Capeside.
The show was created by Kevin Williamson and premiered on The WB as a mid-season replacement.
“I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James’ journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children,” Katie Holmes said in a post on Instagram.
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page posted online solicited donations to assist Van Der Beek’s widow Kimberley and their six children.
