Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role in US teen drama Dawson's Creek, has died aged 48 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer. Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning, his family said in a statement posted to his social media accounts. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with the disease in the latter half of 2023 but only revealed the news in November 2024. The father of six starred in multiple popular shows and films in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including the cult classic Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues.
In an interview with Business Insider, he revealed he started experiencing changes in his bowel movements, a common symptom of bowel cancer. Despite the challenges of his illness, Van Der Beek continued working, guest-starring in Prime Video's Overcompensating earlier this year. His diagnosis led to increased awareness about the importance of screenings for early detection of bowel cancer.
Tributes have flooded in from co-stars and admirers across social media, expressing deep sorrow at his passing. Busy Philipps, Van Der Beek's co-star, referred to her heart 'aching for everyone' who loved him, and Sarah Michelle Gellar highlighted the world’s loss in the wake of his death.
Van Der Beek's legacy, characterized by his genuine performances, will forever resonate with fans and fellow artists alike, ensuring that his spirit lives on through the characters he portrayed and the kindness he shared.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with the disease in the latter half of 2023 but only revealed the news in November 2024. The father of six starred in multiple popular shows and films in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including the cult classic Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues.
In an interview with Business Insider, he revealed he started experiencing changes in his bowel movements, a common symptom of bowel cancer. Despite the challenges of his illness, Van Der Beek continued working, guest-starring in Prime Video's Overcompensating earlier this year. His diagnosis led to increased awareness about the importance of screenings for early detection of bowel cancer.
Tributes have flooded in from co-stars and admirers across social media, expressing deep sorrow at his passing. Busy Philipps, Van Der Beek's co-star, referred to her heart 'aching for everyone' who loved him, and Sarah Michelle Gellar highlighted the world’s loss in the wake of his death.
Van Der Beek's legacy, characterized by his genuine performances, will forever resonate with fans and fellow artists alike, ensuring that his spirit lives on through the characters he portrayed and the kindness he shared.
