James Van Der Beek, the actor who became a defining face of late-1990s television as the earnest dreamer at the heart of “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at 48. The news was confirmed on Wednesday in a statement shared on his official Instagram page, prompting a flood of sadness from fans who grew up watching him navigate first love, heartbreak, and ambition on the small screen.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the statement read. His family asked for privacy as they mourned “our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” while noting that more would be shared in time about his wishes and his reflections on life.

A Star Who Defined a Generation

For millions of viewers, James Van Der Beek will forever be Dawson Leery — the sensitive, Spielberg-obsessed teen at the center of the WB’s hit drama “Dawson’s Creek.” When the series premiered in 1998, it rapidly became a cultural touchstone, molding the teen drama genre for years to come.

Set in the fictional seaside town of Capeside, Massachusetts, the show revolved around Dawson’s complicated relationships with his lifelong crush, Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), best friend, Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson), and New York transplant, Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams). The series ran for six seasons and 128 episodes, turning into a household name almost overnight.

On the 25th anniversary of the show’s debut, he reflected on the suddenness of his rise to fame, writing that his life changed “instantly.” Years of auditions, rejections, and persistence culminated in a breakthrough that made him one of television’s most recognizable young stars.

From Connecticut to Hollywood

Born James David Van Der Beek on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, he did not initially set out to become an actor. As a child, he was more interested in sports, particularly football. But a severe concussion from a childhood accident forced him to step away from athletics for a year. During that time, he discovered acting.

He soon landed the lead role of Danny Zuko in a school production of “Grease,” a formative experience that triggered a lasting passion. By his teens, he was performing in off-Broadway productions, including Edward Albee’s “Finding the Sun,” and steadily building his résumé.

Before “Dawson’s Creek,” James Van Der Beek appeared in films such as “Angus” (1995) and the indie romance “I Love You, I Love You Not” (1996). But it was Dawson’s role that secured his place in pop culture history.

The Pressures of Early Fame

It cannot be understated how The WB really put themselves on the map with this ad campaign. #DawsonsCreek was a force of nature, and a big part of that was the show’s talented cast. pic.twitter.com/6LENOIFigB

— KSiteTV (@KSiteTV) February 11, 2026

With fame came intense scrutiny. As the series became a smash hit, James Van Der Beek found himself mobbed by adoring fans — particularly teenage girls. In later interviews, he spoke candidly about the surreal experience of handling celebrity at such a young age.

“Walking around at that time was very tricky because one autograph could turn into a mob scene,” he once said. Reflecting years later, he joked about what he called “the lamest form of PTSD ever” — the instinctive reaction he still felt upon hearing teenage girls squeal in excitement.

In spite of the challenges, his popularity soared. In 1998, the same year “Dawson’s Creek” debuted, he was named one of People magazine’s Most Beautiful People in the World.

Life Beyond the Creek

After “Dawson’s Creek” ended in 2003, James Van Der Beek worked steadily across film and television, deliberately seeking roles that challenged or subverted his teen heartthrob image.

He starred opposite Paul Walker in the 1999 football drama “Varsity Blues,” delivering the now-iconic line, “I don’t want your life.” In 2002, he took on darker material in “The Rules of Attraction,” portraying Sean Bateman, the morally adrift younger brother of Patrick Bateman from “American Psycho.”

He also demonstrated a willingness to poke fun at himself. In “Scary Movie” (2000), he appeared in a self-referential cameo that played on his “Dawson’s Creek” persona. Years later, he embraced a full meta reinvention in the ABC sitcom “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,” portraying an exaggerated version of himself — an actor gleefully skewering his own image. The role earned him a 2012 Teen Choice Award nomination for male scene-stealer.

He made additional appearances in series including “Criminal Minds,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “CSI: Cyber,” and FX’s groundbreaking drama “Pose.” Online, he connected with a new generation through comedy sketches for Funny or Die, including “Vandermemes,” which playfully referenced his viral “ugly cry” face from “Dawson’s Creek.”

A Battle With Cancer

In November 2024, James Van Der Beek publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer, a condition he had learned about earlier that year. He explained that he had already begun treatment before making his diagnosis public, choosing to focus privately on his health and family during the initial stages.

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now,” he wrote at the time, acknowledging that some months had passed since his diagnosis. He showed appreciation to his loved ones for their support. Later, he participated in the U.S. charity special “The Real Full Monty,” joining fellow celebrities in increasing awareness about cancer through a televised strip performance inspired by the British film.

In November 2025, as medical bills mounted, he announced plans to auction memorabilia and personal treasures from his career to help fund treatment. Even as he confronted mounting health challenges, those close to him described him as grounded and reflective, often posting tributes to his wife and children.

A planned “Dawson’s Creek” charity reunion was organized following his diagnosis, with former co-stars attached. However, due to his health, he was unable to attend, and Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read the role of Dawson.

Family and Legacy

James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. He was previously married to actor Heather McComb.

Beyond his career accomplishments, friends and associates often described him as deliberate and self-aware — someone who accepted both the chances and challenges of early fame. Over time, he became increasingly comfortable with his heritage, even as fans asked about a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion. In 2017, he shared that he felt “pretty complete” leaving the character behind.

Still, for many viewers, he will remain inseparable from the wide-eyed aspiring filmmaker who once narrated the turbulence of adolescence. His work captured the vulnerability of youth at a particular cultural moment, and in doing so, created a lasting imprint on television history.

As tributes continue to pour in, the enduring affection for the beloved actor speaks not only to the character he played but also to the humanity he shared — on screen and off. He leaves a legacy of empathy, inspiration, and genuineness that will echo across generations. His effect remains in the hearts of those who saw him grow, loved his work, and found faith in his story. He will be deeply missed, but his spirit and talent will remain an inspiration.

Featured image: @vanderjames/Instagram

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