'Dawson's Creek' star James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after colorectal cancer battle
- - 'Dawson's Creek' star James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after colorectal cancer battle
Erin Jensen and Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY February 12, 2026 at 1:07 AM
0
James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for embodying those formative, angsty teenage years in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died following a diagnosis with colorectal cancer. He was 48.
Van Der Beek's death was announced with a post on the actor's official Instagram page Wednesday, Feb. 11. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," a caption of a photo of the actor read.
"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," the post said.
The actor was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and shared his illness with the public in November 2024. He continued working, in spite of his health battle, appearing on shows like the CW's "Walker" (2024) and Amazon Prime Video’s comedy "Overcompensating" (2025).
View this post on Instagram
Van Der Beek also competed against fellow disguised celebrities on Fox's "The Masked Singer" (2025) and signed on to Amazon Prime's "Legally Blonde" prequel "Elle" as Dean Wilson, a school district superintendent and mayoral candidate.
He previously shared with USA TODAY that his diagnosis reinvigorated his love for his chosen profession.
"For a minute, I thought, 'You know what? I don't need acting. I don't need it in the way that I did before,'" he said, during an interview in the summer of 2025. "I'm very, very happy just doing this here with my family. And then, when I got cancer, I realized I love to tell stories. Acting is actually a real passion. Writing is a real passion, and I need to feed that. So, I joke that I'm the only guy I know who got cancer and realized I need to work more."
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly, whom he wed in 2010, and their six children.
who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/72vtiAfsBTChcq5rK1quxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTkx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e39f9b6a72794fc29c8838816ff156b6 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
">From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/72vtiAfsBTChcq5rK1quxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTkx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e39f9b6a72794fc29c8838816ff156b6 class=caas-img>In this photo taken in 1997, the cast of "Dawson's Creek": Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery), Michelle Williams (Jennifer Lindley) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey).
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Gxj6aCKPzoDLw_gZmV8U6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTgx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f82d770e57e0ab744bc4e630d8ac9aca class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
In this photo taken in 1997, the cast of "Dawson's Creek": Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery), Michelle Williams (Jennifer Lindley) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey).
">In this photo taken in 1997, the cast of "Dawson's Creek": Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery), Michelle Williams (Jennifer Lindley) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey).
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Gxj6aCKPzoDLw_gZmV8U6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTgx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f82d770e57e0ab744bc4e630d8ac9aca class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and John Voight star in "Varsity Blues" in 1999.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHUfErgx0V49nALrCRhjIQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54dc3fa8aef01b60fb52b7d0921df1c9 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and John Voight star in "Varsity Blues" in 1999.
">James Van Der Beek and John Voight star in "Varsity Blues" in 1999.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHUfErgx0V49nALrCRhjIQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54dc3fa8aef01b60fb52b7d0921df1c9 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb attend the GLAAD Awards on April 15, 2000, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/K4aBMrb4GRrANJ0Vm0Dqlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7f130dbf8a94010bb38be1616a9695ae class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb attend the GLAAD Awards on April 15, 2000, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.
">James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb attend the GLAAD Awards on April 15, 2000, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/K4aBMrb4GRrANJ0Vm0Dqlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7f130dbf8a94010bb38be1616a9695ae class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" arrives at the WB Network's 2001 All-Star Party on Jan. 6, 2001, in Pasadena, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yNcfdzYrIPL9GCS6h8r30w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMTY2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20d66d923e6c4e67a4ff091612f289ff class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" arrives at the WB Network's 2001 All-Star Party on Jan. 6, 2001, in Pasadena, California.
">James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" arrives at the WB Network's 2001 All-Star Party on Jan. 6, 2001, in Pasadena, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yNcfdzYrIPL9GCS6h8r30w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMTY2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20d66d923e6c4e67a4ff091612f289ff class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek (seen here in 2001) stars as Dawson Leery in TV's "Dawson's Creek."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VYHcmZ4b.hv824SKy.f3oQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68caa4f3e00205ce3eab5f4a311f86cb class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek (seen here in 2001) stars as Dawson Leery in TV's "Dawson's Creek."
">James Van Der Beek (seen here in 2001) stars as Dawson Leery in TV's "Dawson's Creek."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VYHcmZ4b.hv824SKy.f3oQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68caa4f3e00205ce3eab5f4a311f86cb class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Jessica Simpson at the Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on April 21, 2001.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pDg.UGwncRpr.IynxlPwzw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d567ca52e9248f5084441a945950a940 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Jessica Simpson at the Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on April 21, 2001.
">James Van Der Beek and Jessica Simpson at the Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on April 21, 2001.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pDg.UGwncRpr.IynxlPwzw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d567ca52e9248f5084441a945950a940 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek plays in a softball game between the Hollywood All-Stars and the San Francisco Forty Niners Alumni on June 8, 2002, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kaji_YiCMFZXe5sJiu5xgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMDcx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4945ecfbf2a57d06daec2b897f987f74 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek plays in a softball game between the Hollywood All-Stars and the San Francisco Forty Niners Alumni on June 8, 2002, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
">James Van Der Beek plays in a softball game between the Hollywood All-Stars and the San Francisco Forty Niners Alumni on June 8, 2002, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kaji_YiCMFZXe5sJiu5xgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMDcx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4945ecfbf2a57d06daec2b897f987f74 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek attends the launch of the "uBid for Hurricane Relief" charity auction and benefit at the Empire Ballroom on Oct. 15, 2005, in Las Vegas.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e4BsfVoCZD13qaEmqlJf.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/90363f071075ccf859c6dae9ffe6863e class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek attends the launch of the "uBid for Hurricane Relief" charity auction and benefit at the Empire Ballroom on Oct. 15, 2005, in Las Vegas.
">James Van Der Beek attends the launch of the "uBid for Hurricane Relief" charity auction and benefit at the Empire Ballroom on Oct. 15, 2005, in Las Vegas.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e4BsfVoCZD13qaEmqlJf.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/90363f071075ccf859c6dae9ffe6863e class=caas-img>James van der Beek arrives at a private performance of Cirque Du Soliel's "Delirium" on Sept. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OzEibV._q667hOVrk6tzNQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODMz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a755269a3bf13e8e295613c980cc7190 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James van der Beek arrives at a private performance of Cirque Du Soliel's "Delirium" on Sept. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles.
">James van der Beek arrives at a private performance of Cirque Du Soliel's "Delirium" on Sept. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OzEibV._q667hOVrk6tzNQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODMz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a755269a3bf13e8e295613c980cc7190 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek attends the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game at the Dodger Stadium on June 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0xTEMgNxVUjPltx9ymlwiA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16c0abc9a8044fe7c823815c2cc72fbb class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek attends the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game at the Dodger Stadium on June 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek attends the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game at the Dodger Stadium on June 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0xTEMgNxVUjPltx9ymlwiA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16c0abc9a8044fe7c823815c2cc72fbb class=caas-img>Ian Somerhalder and James Van Der Beek arrive at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party on Dec. 8, 2009.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v2tSEntndS_rKu56a.DePQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzUy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ed8ee444166bec87ba15571dacb8355d class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Ian Somerhalder and James Van Der Beek arrive at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party on Dec. 8, 2009.
">Ian Somerhalder and James Van Der Beek arrive at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party on Dec. 8, 2009.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v2tSEntndS_rKu56a.DePQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzUy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ed8ee444166bec87ba15571dacb8355d class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook attend the "William Vincent" after party during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at The Gates on April 25, 2010 in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4msFQlvioc87K.6r3dHKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTU0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/299cacaa156aae5f5052198fd6bb4716 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook attend the "William Vincent" after party during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at The Gates on April 25, 2010 in New York City.
">James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook attend the "William Vincent" after party during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at The Gates on April 25, 2010 in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4msFQlvioc87K.6r3dHKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTU0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/299cacaa156aae5f5052198fd6bb4716 class=caas-img> James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend HBO's Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/t7gyahFBHiQFMDiE24WKuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzg2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/068ad06fa53bc4cc4c65b7bcf41f967a class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend HBO's Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
"> James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend HBO's Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/t7gyahFBHiQFMDiE24WKuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzg2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/068ad06fa53bc4cc4c65b7bcf41f967a class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek speaks onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/am7iA0Yo8CFkeiGze_29Wg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53c094c16c0b509192672a9339383452 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek speaks onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
">James Van Der Beek speaks onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/am7iA0Yo8CFkeiGze_29Wg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53c094c16c0b509192672a9339383452 class=caas-img>Phoenix, James Van Der Beek, Mimi Imfurst and Alexis Mateo onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/eh2sNcUOYIleCB7mY1ZnZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3414ebe8d86bf341e5e6d638bda1e4e6 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Phoenix, James Van Der Beek, Mimi Imfurst and Alexis Mateo onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
">Phoenix, James Van Der Beek, Mimi Imfurst and Alexis Mateo onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/eh2sNcUOYIleCB7mY1ZnZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3414ebe8d86bf341e5e6d638bda1e4e6 class=caas-img>Liza Lapira, James Van Der Beek and Krysten Ritter speak during the "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 10, 2012, in Pasadena, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gsGm02wgtaQotRn0iHnBKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c2795c9a6dc245f24354dd3a245b24ec class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Liza Lapira, James Van Der Beek and Krysten Ritter speak during the "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 10, 2012, in Pasadena, California.
">Liza Lapira, James Van Der Beek and Krysten Ritter speak during the "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 10, 2012, in Pasadena, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gsGm02wgtaQotRn0iHnBKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c2795c9a6dc245f24354dd3a245b24ec class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of Open Road's "The Grey" at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE on Jan. 11, 2012.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XKjDvFWmqV13IRyMplg3NQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ec91955ece66590bea48d5f7ddb89fac class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of Open Road's "The Grey" at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE on Jan. 11, 2012.
">James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of Open Road's "The Grey" at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE on Jan. 11, 2012.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XKjDvFWmqV13IRyMplg3NQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ec91955ece66590bea48d5f7ddb89fac class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek accepts the Icon Award during the 14th annual Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing at Hollywood Athletic Club on June 14, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JPc3Tx6xpNwoq09TtUu1ZA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4305376a9cae2a42187ca3991be5e2d6 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek accepts the Icon Award during the 14th annual Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing at Hollywood Athletic Club on June 14, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
">James Van Der Beek accepts the Icon Award during the 14th annual Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing at Hollywood Athletic Club on June 14, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JPc3Tx6xpNwoq09TtUu1ZA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4305376a9cae2a42187ca3991be5e2d6 class=caas-img>
James Van Der Beek visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3TGJq6IQ65hsezrZkElbsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b04a8b107fed7d0afb593090a6a30c03 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City.
">James Van Der Beek visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3TGJq6IQ65hsezrZkElbsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b04a8b107fed7d0afb593090a6a30c03 class=caas-img>Kimberley Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek attend the "Labor Day" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on Sept. 7, 2013, in Toronto, Canada.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZlUzwcxd_ddY04gKbaIaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzgz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/98511930b84a883262d5267468175c88 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Kimberley Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek attend the "Labor Day" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on Sept. 7, 2013, in Toronto, Canada.
">Kimberley Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek attend the "Labor Day" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on Sept. 7, 2013, in Toronto, Canada.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZlUzwcxd_ddY04gKbaIaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzgz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/98511930b84a883262d5267468175c88 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek, son Joshua Van Der Beek, daughter Olivia Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek arrive at the 11th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos on April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MeNvQIlx6OHrDZ2aOydOUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9e907bceb74fc9d623c8756b64536d1e class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek, son Joshua Van Der Beek, daughter Olivia Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek arrive at the 11th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos on April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek, son Joshua Van Der Beek, daughter Olivia Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek arrive at the 11th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos on April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MeNvQIlx6OHrDZ2aOydOUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9e907bceb74fc9d623c8756b64536d1e class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and son Joshua Van Der Beek attend the John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos Boutique on April 13, 2014.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qsA4gtfr34TxnYd6W1Qc2Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af452eb5fb6386eeddd722658bb29ff8 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and son Joshua Van Der Beek attend the John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos Boutique on April 13, 2014.
">James Van Der Beek and son Joshua Van Der Beek attend the John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos Boutique on April 13, 2014.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qsA4gtfr34TxnYd6W1Qc2Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af452eb5fb6386eeddd722658bb29ff8 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Shad Moss speak onstage during the "CSI: Cyber" panel as part of the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter Television Critics Association press tour on Jan. 12, 2015 in Pasadena, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oFaPy2X4AqN7awi7ZcZ0XA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0dedea9b66833647d76fea4a5e061958 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Shad Moss speak onstage during the "CSI: Cyber" panel as part of the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter Television Critics Association press tour on Jan. 12, 2015 in Pasadena, California.
">James Van Der Beek and Shad Moss speak onstage during the "CSI: Cyber" panel as part of the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter Television Critics Association press tour on Jan. 12, 2015 in Pasadena, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oFaPy2X4AqN7awi7ZcZ0XA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0dedea9b66833647d76fea4a5e061958 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek throws out the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sep 7, 2017.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a_GFL3UzJFr8hnL_Gp6x3Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e22bd8f91b496fed9f267273653151b3 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek throws out the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sep 7, 2017.
">James Van Der Beek throws out the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sep 7, 2017.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a_GFL3UzJFr8hnL_Gp6x3Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e22bd8f91b496fed9f267273653151b3 class=caas-img>From left, POSE honorees James Van Der Beek, Charlayne Woodard, Hailie Sahar, Our Lady J, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Ryan Murphy, Janet Mock, Billy Porter, Steven Canals, Dyllon Burnside, Mj Rodriguez and Ryan Jamaal Swain attend the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA 2018 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wqXjMNajNuv7BMuPiMs68Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/26cb75ed976c349ba7948c0f5a5d6107 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
From left, POSE honorees James Van Der Beek, Charlayne Woodard, Hailie Sahar, Our Lady J, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Ryan Murphy, Janet Mock, Billy Porter, Steven Canals, Dyllon Burnside, Mj Rodriguez and Ryan Jamaal Swain attend the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA 2018 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
">From left, POSE honorees James Van Der Beek, Charlayne Woodard, Hailie Sahar, Our Lady J, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Ryan Murphy, Janet Mock, Billy Porter, Steven Canals, Dyllon Burnside, Mj Rodriguez and Ryan Jamaal Swain attend the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA 2018 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wqXjMNajNuv7BMuPiMs68Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/26cb75ed976c349ba7948c0f5a5d6107 class=caas-img>
James Van Der Beek stops by the WarnerMedia Lodge for "Elevating Storytelling with AT&T" during Sundance Film Festival 2020 on Jan. 24, 2020, in Park City, Utah.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.RQk5SEoHiZRCtgYQFQh6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7e3d6bf6eb89f0bc3367578336f7d394 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek stops by the WarnerMedia Lodge for "Elevating Storytelling with AT&T" during Sundance Film Festival 2020 on Jan. 24, 2020, in Park City, Utah.
">James Van Der Beek stops by the WarnerMedia Lodge for "Elevating Storytelling with AT&T" during Sundance Film Festival 2020 on Jan. 24, 2020, in Park City, Utah.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.RQk5SEoHiZRCtgYQFQh6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7e3d6bf6eb89f0bc3367578336f7d394 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nTVttdbDESL5E51egHgljA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1057cbbde20cb2cd63e4fb2825aa2520 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
">James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nTVttdbDESL5E51egHgljA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1057cbbde20cb2cd63e4fb2825aa2520 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek, pictured here with his children, attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MDy_4MmVQkOh9Z3kCvyJnA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3212ff16476d41de5d6faad4968b5a class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek, pictured here with his children, attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
">James Van Der Beek, pictured here with his children, attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MDy_4MmVQkOh9Z3kCvyJnA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3212ff16476d41de5d6faad4968b5a class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wWLJ2.8pGmVhmj83yeHvqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/445281e3d99bc4fdf26691ad1533e9c8 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wWLJ2.8pGmVhmj83yeHvqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/445281e3d99bc4fdf26691ad1533e9c8 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek, Connie Britton and Benito Skinner arrive at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qAMjP_Xy17KmQdJKmntSNg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDU5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e95bcef350ce1542456e1c5d236baa3 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek, Connie Britton and Benito Skinner arrive at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek, Connie Britton and Benito Skinner arrive at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qAMjP_Xy17KmQdJKmntSNg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDU5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e95bcef350ce1542456e1c5d236baa3 class=caas-img>
1 / 35James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'
From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
James Van Der Beek movies and TV shows, from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues,' made him a star
The Cheshire, Connecticut-native, born March 8, 1977, was "a very shy kid," he told "Good Morning America" in 2020. "I never wanted to be an actor when I was a kid. I wanted to be an athlete."
But in his early teens, Van Der Beek told the outlet, "I really fell in love with acting. … The only place I felt comfortable being the center of attention was on stage."
And soon he found confidence in front of a camera, too. After appearing in an episode of Nickelodeon's "Clarissa Explains It All" in 1993, Van Der Beek booked his first feature, "Angus" (1995), in which his character bullied an overweight teen. That year he also had a three-episode stint on the CBS soap "As the World Turns."
Van Der Beek's own world shifted dramatically when he landed the title role on The WB's "Dawson’s Creek" (1998-2003), portraying the Spielberg-obsessed cinephile Dawson Leery. The beloved teen drama, which followed Dawson and his friends, Joey Potter (Katie Holmes), Pacey Witter (Joshua Jackson) and Jen Lindley (Michelle Williams) ran for six seasons.
The cast of the WB's teen drama, "Dawson's Creek," are snapped in 1997. From left: Katie Holmes, James Van Der Beek, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson.
When Entertainment Weekly reunited the cast in 2018 to mark the series' 20th reunion, Van Der Beek revealed, "There was so much about Dawson that annoyed me. I love that he was sensitive, I love that he was very open and not trying to be a jock. So I love the vulnerability there, that was something I was kind of happy to be putting out. But the rest of it I found kind of annoying, to be honest with you."
But he and his costars "had a lot of fun doing it," the actor said. "We all gave it our all, which is why it was so exhausting to go through. I don't think any of us even knew how to phone it in, even if we decided we wanted to."
Van Der Beek was also immortalized as a teen thanks to "Varsity Blues" (1999). The star portrayed the film's lead, Mox, a second-string quarterback called up after the team's starting QB (Paul Walker) is injured. Mox longs to leave the football-obsessed (and fictitious) town of West Canaan, Texas, for an Ivy League education at Brown University. But first he has to stand up to his demanding football coach (Jon Voight) and father (Thomas F. Duffy), to whom he memorably declared, "I don't want your life."
After the end of "Creek" in 2003, Van Der Beek appeared on television series like CBS' "Criminal Minds" (2007), ABC's "Ugly Betty" (2007), the CW's "One Tree Hill" (2008-09) and NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (2012) before playing a very Hollywood version of himself on ABC's comedy "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23" (2012-13).
He also appeared in FX's "Pose" in 2018 and lent his voice to Disney Junior's animated series "Vampirina" (2017-2021).
James Van Der Beek stops by "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City.James Van Der Beek wife helped him through cancer journey
But his life encompassed more than just his time on screen. After filing for divorce from his first wife, actress Heather McComb, in 2009, Van Der Beek crossed paths with Kimberly Brook in Israel. Van Der Beek recounted their first meeting in a 2020 Instagram post celebrating the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary.
Traveling with friends in Israel, Van Der Beek decided, "I was done being single. I wanted a real relationship. A soul mate. Someone with whom I could build a family," he posted on the social media site. "I was mid-revelation, rattling all this off to a friend of mine when a voice interrupted us, wanting to ask him a question. I was annoyed. Who the hell was stepping all over my moment? I turned around… it was (Kimberly). Three days later, I asked her what she was looking for in a relationship. Her answer: 'I'm not looking for a relationship.' Six months later we were living together. Two weeks after that we were pregnant, and almost exactly one year to the date after she’d first interrupted me… we were married."
The couple would welcome Olivia in 2010, Joshua in 2012, Annabel in 2014, Emilia in 2016), Gwendolyn in 2018 and Jeremiah in 2021.
Kimberly and James Van Der Beek attend the "Pose" New York premiere on May 17, 2018.
Van Der Beek got choked up when reflecting on Kimberly's care for him amidst his cancer fight during a 2024 appearance on "Good Morning America."
"She's amazing,” Van Der Beek told anchor Robin Roberts. "She really taught me what unconditional love is. I'm someone who has always in the past tried to do everything for everybody and never asked for help myself, and this has put me in a position of having to ask for help and having to receive help and the beautiful blessing of that has been seeing how many people in my life have shown up."
Van Der Beek had to pull out of a much-anticipated live reading of "Dawson’s Creek" pilot with costars Holmes, Jackson, Williams and others on Sept. 22, 2025, in New York City, in support of the actor and the F Cancer organization. The actor had been knocked out by "two stomach viruses," he shared on Instagram.
Kimberly and James Van Der Beek pose with their children at Santa's Secret Workshop benefiting LA Family Housing on Dec. 2, 2017 in West Hollywood.
"Despite every effort… I won't get to be there," he wrote before the event. "I won't get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most."
Kimberly and the couple's six children attended the benefit on Van Der Beek’s behalf. They joined the cast to sing the drama’s classic theme song, Paula Cole’s “I Don’t Want to Wait.” Van Der Beek appeared via a recorded video, acknowledging “the best fans in the world.”
Van Der Beek told USA TODAY in August 2025 that his experience with cancer helped him love himself to his core. "I was forced to look at myself and say, 'Well, what am I, if I'm just a too skinny guy alone in a room with cancer?'" he said. "And the conclusion that I came to, after some meditation, was I'm still worthy of love. I'm still worthy of God's love, but I'm still worthy of self-love, just for existing. My conclusion is that I do believe we're here to experience love − to connect to and to give and to receive love. But, in order to receive love, I think you have to have it for yourself first."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Van Der Beek dead – 'Dawson's Creek' star dies after cancer
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
