James Van Der Beek, the celebrated actor widely recognized for his leading role as Dawson Leery in The WB's quintessential teen drama Dawson's Creek, has tragically passed away at the age of 48. His death followed a prolonged battle with colorectal cancer, an illness he was diagnosed with in 2023 and publicly disclosed in November 2024. The news of his passing was confirmed by TMZ, though an official cause of death has not been announced.

Van Der Beek's journey into acting began after attending Drew University on an academic scholarship, where he honed his craft in theater. His life took a definitive turn in 1997 when he was cast in the pilot for Kevin Williamson's groundbreaking series, Dawson's Creek. Set in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, charting the coming-of-age experiences of Dawson and his circle of friends. Over its six-season run, the series not only established The WB as a prominent destination for teen television but also propelled Van Der Beek, alongside co-stars like Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams, into widespread stardom as a teen idol. In a touching tribute, the cast, with the exception of Van Der Beek due to his illness, had recently reunited for a charity reading of the pilot, supporting their friend and the organization F Cancer.

Beyond the small screen, Van Der Beek solidified his status as a teen heartthrob with his role in the 1999 sports drama Varsity Blues. In the film, he portrayed Jonathan "Mox" Moxon, an academically brilliant yet rebellious backup quarterback thrust into the spotlight. Co-starring Paul Walker and Jon Voight, the film achieved cult classic status, exploring themes of ambition versus expectation in a football-obsessed town. This role paved the way for a notable film career, including appearances in movies such as Texas Rangers, Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, and the feature adaptation of The Rules of Attraction.

Despite his significant contributions to cinema, Van Der Beek remained most prominent in television. Following the conclusion of Dawson's Creek in 2005, he took on diverse roles in various series, including guest appearances on Ugly Betty and Criminal Minds, a recurring part in One Tree Hill, and a key role in NBC's short-lived medical drama Mercy. His most memorable post-Capeside television appearance arrived in 2012 when he joined ABC's Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, playing a cleverly fictionalized version of himself who was close friends with Krysten Ritter's character, Chloe. Throughout his career, Van Der Beek consistently showcased his impressive range as an actor, embodying characters from womanizing bosses and washed-up actors to serial killers and beyond.

His final on-screen performance before his passing was in Prime Video's hit series Overcompensating by Benito Skinner. Additionally, he had filmed a significant role for the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle, slated for release in 2026. Demonstrating talents beyond acting, Van Der Beek also proved to be a capable writer, penning the comedy series What Would Diplo Do?, in which he starred as a fictionalized DJ Wesley "Diplo" Pentz navigating the music industry. Ultimately, while his status as a teen icon is a memorable chapter, it represents just one facet of a rich and storied career in entertainment.

Our deepest condolences are extended to Van Der Beek's loved ones during this difficult time. In the wake of his loss, a GoFundMe campaign has been established to support his wife and six children with the medical costs associated with his fight against cancer, providing a way for fans and well-wishers to contribute.