Actor James Van Der Beek, know for his roles on the TV show “Dawson’s Creek,” and movies such as “Varsity Blues,” has died. He was 48.
Van Der Beek announced that he was battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, in late 2024.
James Van Der Beek, the actor known for playing Dawson Leary on “Dawson’s Creek” has died. He was 48. Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and made his diagnosis public in 2024.
Statement from his family: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed… pic.twitter.com/Yr0zAiB6Bw
— Variety (@Variety) February 11, 2026
🕊️ James Van Der Beek has died. He was 48.
What we know: https://t.co/DQIYENGMsv pic.twitter.com/9jdw66GWUC
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 11, 2026