← NewsAll
US actor James Van Der Beek dies aged 48 after bowel cancer
Summary
American actor James Van Der Beek has died at 48 after a battle with bowel cancer, his family said, and they described his passing as peaceful; he was best known for starring in Dawson's Creek.
Content
American actor James Van Der Beek has died at age 48 after a battle with bowel cancer, his family announced. The family statement said he passed peacefully and referenced his courage, faith and grace. Van Der Beek became widely known for playing Dawson Leery in the US teen drama Dawson's Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003. He also appeared in films including Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, The Big Bang and Labour Day.
Known details:
- The family statement said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning."
- The family asked for peaceful privacy while they grieve and indicated more will be shared about his wishes later.
- Van Der Beek publicly announced he had bowel cancer in November 2024.
- He and his wife Kimberly had six children.
- Kimberly shared a tribute on Instagram and a fundraising page was posted to support the family.
Summary:
The family has publicly announced his peaceful passing and noted plans to share more information in time. Undetermined at this time.
Sources
James Van Der Beek made no money from Dawson's Creek reruns due to contract clause
LADbible2/12/2026, 8:59:21 PMOpen source →
James Van Der Beek obituary
The Guardian2/12/2026, 5:46:15 PMOpen source →
Fundraiser for James Van Der Beek's widow Kimberly passes $1m
The Independent2/12/2026, 5:25:00 AMOpen source →
Dawson's Creek stars lead tributes to James Van Der Beek
BBC2/12/2026, 5:24:28 AMOpen source →
James Van Der Beek's wife's heartbreaking tribute as actor dies age 48
Daily Mail Online2/11/2026, 8:54:10 PMOpen source →
US actor James Van Der Beek dies aged 48 after suffering cancer
Daily Mail Online2/11/2026, 7:50:58 PMOpen source →
