American actor James Van Der Beek, widely recognised for his lead role in the television drama Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48.
Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday following a battle with colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he publicly revealed in 2023.
The news was confirmed in a statement shared on his official Instagram page. The message described his final days as marked by “courage, faith, and grace.”
His wife, Kimberly, also released a heartfelt note, announcing that he died peacefully and requesting privacy for the family during their period of mourning. She described him as a devoted husband, father, son, brother and friend, adding that more details about his wishes and reflections on life would be shared at a later time.
Van Der Beek rose to prominence in the late 1990s for his portrayal of Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The series followed a close-knit group of teenagers navigating life and relationships in a small Massachusetts town and became a defining show of its era.
Beyond television, he appeared in films including Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction. Despite taking on diverse roles, he often remained closely associated with his breakout character.
In a 2011 interview, Van Der Beek reflected positively on his career, saying he held no regrets about his body of work.
Following news of his death, fans and colleagues have taken to social media to share tributes, celebrating his contributions to film and television.
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