James Van Der Beek, best known for his iconic role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48, according to a heartfelt statement shared by his family. The message described his final days as peaceful and marked by courage and grace, while asking for privacy as loved ones mourn the loss of a devoted husband, father, son, and friend. Fans around the world were stunned, remembering him not only as a defining face of late-1990s television but also as a warm, sincere presence who later shared glimpses of his family life and personal reflections online.

In recent years, Van Der Beek had been quietly battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he publicly revealed in late 2024 after undergoing treatment with the support of his wife and six children. Health struggles forced him to step back from appearances, including a much-anticipated Dawson’s Creek reunion, though he still sent an emotional prerecorded message expressing gratitude to fans and castmates. Many viewers later felt that appearance carried the weight of a farewell, as his visibly fragile condition deeply moved audiences. Beyond his acting career, Van Der Beek will be remembered for his openness about life, family, and resilience, leaving behind a legacy shaped not only by television fame but by the honesty and warmth he shared with fans during his most challenging years.