Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role in Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. His passing was first reported by TMZ, though an official cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.

Van Der Beek rose to fame in 1998 as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, a defining teen drama of The WB era created by Kevin Williamson. The series ran for six seasons and helped launch the careers of Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams.

Before landing the breakout role, Van Der Beek studied at Drew University, where he developed his passion for acting through theater. The success of Dawson’s Creek quickly turned him into one of television’s most recognizable teen idols of the late 1990s.

He expanded his career with a leading role in the 1999 football drama Varsity Blues, portraying quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon. The film achieved cult status and cemented his image as a Hollywood heartthrob.

Throughout the 2000s, Van Der Beek appeared in projects including Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, The Rules of Attraction, and recurring television roles on Ugly Betty, Criminal Minds, and One Tree Hill.

His performance in ABC’s Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, where he played a fictionalized version of himself, showcased his range as an actor.

More recently, he appeared in Prime Video productions and completed filming for the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, scheduled for release in 2026. He also created and starred in What Would Diplo Do?, a comedy inspired by DJ Diplo’s persona.

A GoFundMe campaign has reportedly been organized to assist his wife and six children with medical expenses tied to his cancer treatment.

Supporters can find information through official fundraising pages such as GoFundMe.

Van Der Beek’s career spanned more than two decades, leaving a lasting mark on television and film. He is remembered not only as a teen icon but as a performer who continually evolved beyond his breakout role.