Renowned American actor James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48.

Van Der Beek, who gained fame for his role as Dawson Leery in the iconic teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. He revealed this diagnosis to the public the following year.

In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, his family announced, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.”

They continued, “He faced his final days with bravery, faith, and grace. In time, we will share more about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. For now, we kindly request privacy as we mourn our cherished husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Born in March 1977 in Connecticut, Van Der Beek’s career took off with the debut of “Dawson’s Creek” in 1998. He captivated audiences as the introspective teenager Dawson until the series concluded in 2003.

The beloved show chronicled the lives of a group of high school friends as they navigated the complexities of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

The actor made a surprise video appearance in September at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event in New York City after previously dropping out due to illness.

In addition to his role in Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek also appeared in the series Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Pose. His film credits included 1999’s Varsity Blues and 2002’s The Rules of Attraction.

Van Der Beek married his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek in 2010. The couple had six children together.

— With additional reporting by the Associated Press via the Australian Associated Press.

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