The entertainment world is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved Dawson’s Creek star who has died at the age of 48 following a battle with bowel cancer.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed in the latter half of 2023 but chose to publicly reveal his illness in November 2024. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars, friends, and fans who remember him not only as a talented actor but as a devoted husband, father, and friend.
Busy Philipps, his former Dawson’s Creek co-star, described him as “one in a billion” in an emotional Instagram post. She expressed deep gratitude for their long-standing friendship and encouraged supporters to assist his family through an online fundraiser set up to help his widow, Kimberley, and their six children.
According to BBC News, Van Der Beek had been battling bowel cancer for more than a year before his death, and colleagues said he faced the illness with remarkable courage and dignity.
Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed his mother on the iconic teen drama, paid tribute to what she called his “quiet strength and dignity” during his fight against cancer. She also asked for privacy and respect for the grieving family during this painful time.
Van Der Beek rose to international fame as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003 and became a defining series for a generation. He later showcased his versatility in projects such as Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, where he humorously played a fictionalized version of himself.
Fellow actors, including Krysten Ritter, Alfonso Ribeiro, Chad Michael Murray, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Jennifer Garner, shared heartfelt messages, praising his empathy, faith, and unwavering love for his family.
Though his life was cut short, James Van Der Beek’s legacy lives on through his memorable performances, his resilience in adversity, and the countless lives he touched both on and off screen.
