James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role in ’90s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48.The star revealed in November 2024, while preparing to appear on US charity TV special The Real Full Monty, that he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.A statement published on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page on Wednesday, February 11 reads:“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.

“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.”One year on from revealing his tragic diagnosis, Van Der Beek announced that he would be auctioning off memorabilia and various “treasures” he had assimilated from his time in TV and film in order to fund his cancer treatment.“Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.”Van Der Beek shot to fame in 1998 through his role as Dawson Leery in the wildly popular Dawson’s Creek. That same year, he was voted one of People Magazine’s Most Beautiful People in the World.