James Van Der Beek, widely recognized for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, has died at age 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. His family shared the news in a heartfelt statement, saying he passed peacefully and faced his final days with courage and grace, while requesting privacy as they mourn the loss of a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend. Van Der Beek had recently spoken publicly about his diagnosis, explaining how it reshaped his priorities and encouraged others to pay attention to early health warning signs. Throughout his illness, he remained focused on family, faith, and raising awareness, often describing his wife and six children as his greatest source of strength.

Rising to fame in the late 1990s, Van Der Beek became a defining figure of teen television and later built a versatile career across film and television while gradually stepping away from Hollywood’s fast pace to focus on family life. In one of his final public appearances, he emotionally reflected on fans’ support during a cast reunion he couldn’t attend in person due to illness, reassuring viewers that his weight loss at the time wasn’t directly related to cancer. His last social media posts centered on family moments, underscoring the importance he placed on fatherhood and connection. His passing marks the loss of an actor who not only shaped a generation of television viewers but also earned respect for his openness, resilience, and devotion to loved ones in his final years.