‘Dawson’s Creek’ star James Van Der Beek dead at 48 after cancer battle

Actor James Van Der Beek, famously known for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

Van Der Beek first announced he was facing this health challenge in November 2024. Although he was absent from a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion event last September, the official cause of his death was not disclosed to the public.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” read a statement shared Wednesday on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page. “He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.”

Beyond his iconic role in the beloved TV series, Van Der Beek’s career included notable performances in films like “Scary Movie,” “Varsity Blues,” and “The Rules of Attraction.” Despite these accomplishments, he remained best known for his part in the pivotal television series of the early 2000s.

Katie Holmes as Joey Potter and James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
Katie Holmes and James Van Der Beek in “Dawson’s Creek.” (Getty Images)

A statement shared on social media expressed, “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

You May Also Like
NYC couple gets engaged atop NYPD car during Knicks parade

NYC Couple’s Knicks Parade Proposal Atop NYPD Car Goes Viral

As Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and the rest of the New York…
NYPD cop shoots suspect attempting to flee in stolen vehicle, officials say

NYPD Officer Shoots Suspect Attempting to Flee in Stolen Vehicle, Officials Say

A New York City police officer shot a driver Sunday after authorities…
US military conducts strike on another vessel carrying alleged narco-traffickers, killing 2

US Military Strike on Suspected Drug-Trafficking Vessel Kills 2

The U.S. military said Sunday it carried out a deadly strike on…
World Cup worker, 22, killed while walking home from SoFi Stadium

22-Year-Old World Cup Worker Killed on Walk Home From SoFi Stadium

A 22-year-old SoFi Stadium employee, who was reportedly just two days into…
House Republicans issue contempt threat against ActBlue after Dem fundraiser refuses to turn over hundreds of documents

House Republicans Threaten ActBlue With Contempt Over Refusal to Provide Fundraising Documents

WASHINGTON — The Republican chairs of three House committees on Monday warned…
How California's ban on 'sell by' dates will impact grocery shopping

California Bans Sell-By Dates: What It Means for Grocery Shoppers

California shoppers may soon see a noticeable difference in the way packaged…
Chicago sanctuary policies let alleged Tren de Aragua mass shooting getaway driver walk free

Alleged Tren de Aragua Getaway Driver Freed Under Chicago Sanctuary Policies After Mass Shooting

Federal authorities said Monday they have arrested a former Illinois teacher who…

AG Blanche Says World Cup Shooting Suspect May Be Dead as Police Remain on Alert

AG Blanche slams Pritzker for refusing help as Chicago crime surges Acting…
Charles M. Blow praises men who step up

Charles M. Blow Applauds Men Who Step Up as Fathers and Role Models

On this Father’s Day, contributor Charles Blow reflects on what it means…
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors, in the eastern Pacific

U.S. Strike on Suspected Drug Boat in Eastern Pacific Kills 2, Leaves 6 Survivors

The U.S. military carried out another strike Sunday on a boat it…
WHCD Shooting Suspect Cole Allen Loses Fight to Remove Top Prosecutors from Case - Internewscast Journal

WHCD Shooting Suspect Cole Allen Loses Fight to Remove Top Prosecutors from Case

A federal judge on Monday declined to disqualify Acting Attorney General Todd…
Chicago families mark Father's Day with reflection, celebration, community events Sunday

Chicago Families Honor Father’s Day With Celebrations, Reflection and Community Events

CHICAGO (WLS) — Father’s Day was observed in a variety of ways…