Dawson’s Creek’s James Van Der Beek Shocks Fans at 48—Was It Fate or Something Darker?
Added on February 11, 2026 inCelebrity News Cards
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Isn’t it curious how the cosmos sometimes seems to echo the rhythms of our mortal coil? On this rather somber February day, while the stars in Aquarius encourage us to embrace change with open arms, the world bids farewell to James Van Der Beek, the beloved face of Dawson’s Creek. At just 48, James met his final act with immense courage, faith, and grace—a reminder that even in the midst of life’s unpredictable twists, the spirit can shine brilliantly. In the ebb and flow of the universe, his story compels us to ponder: how often do we wait for the “right time” to embrace our own hidden treasures? Today, we celebrate not just an actor, but a devoted father and husband, whose legacy extends far beyond the screen. Take a breath, and maybe give a little nod to the stars tonight—as they, too, have witnessed the passage of a true star. LEARN MORE
James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48, a statement from his wife Kimberly has confirmed.
On the Dawson’s Creek actor’s Instagram, a tribute was posted, saying: “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.”
James and Kimberly had six children together, daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah. The actor had announced back in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer.
Speaking to People in 2024, he explained that the cancer had been discovered after a routine colonoscopy in 2023, with him saying he’d experienced ‘a change in bowel habits’ and thought he might need to alter his diet a bit.
Instead, he explained he’d woken up and was ‘coming out of the haze’ when he was informed he had cancer.
He said: “I have colorectal cancer. 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.”
Last November, the actor had said he was planning on selling Dawson’s Creek memorabilia to fund his cancer treatment, having told People he’d decided it was time.
James Van Der Beek had been diagnosed with cancer in 2023, and announced it a year later (ABC/Lou Rocco)
“I’ve been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it’s clear that the time is now,” he said.
He had been the main character Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, with the show following him from high school through to college and ran from 1998 to 2003.
People have already been paying tribute to his memory as friends and co-stars commented on the statement announcing his death.
Jenna Johnson called him ‘an incredible father, husband, artist, and so much more’, while Rumer Willis said he ‘set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother’.
Jamie-Lynn Sigler said: “We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe. Fly high James. You were everything good in this world.”
Featured Image Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Topics: Celebrity
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