James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48 after his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
His wife Kimberly Van Der Beek confirmed the news on Instagram on Wednesday, February 11 Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues Star spent her final months focusing on family, faith and raising awareness about early screening.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote. “He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we pray for peaceful privacy as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Van Der Beek, a father of six, first revealed his diagnosis exclusively to People magazine in November 2024. At the time, he said he prioritized his health and the time he had with Kimberly and their children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
Even while in treatment, he pushed for attention. “I’ve learned a lot,” he told Business Insider. “If I can save someone from having to go through this, that’s magic.”
Just months ago in September, he made a surprise virtual appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event after illness forced him to miss the live show. Cast members Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Busy Philipps reunited for a table reading, with Lin-Manuel Miranda stepping in for him.
The event served as a fundraiser for F Cancer and a tribute to the actor.
