""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," said a statement from the actor's family posted on Instagram. "For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.""
"Van Der Beek made a surprise video appearance in September at a "Dawson's Creek" reunion charity event in New York City after previously dropping out due to illness. He appeared projected onstage at the Richard Rodgers Theatre during a live reading of the show's pilot episode to benefit F Cancer and Van Der Beek. Lin-Manuel Miranda subbed for him on stage. "Thank you to every single person here," Van Der Beek said."
"The series followed a group of high school friends as they learned about falling in love, creating real friendships and finding their footing in life. Van Der Beek, than 20, played 15-year-old Dawson Leery, who aspired to be a director of Steven Spielberg quality. With Paula Cole's "I Don't Want To Wait," as its moody theme song, "Dawson's Creek" helped define The WB as a haven for teens and young adults who related to its hyper-articulate dialogue and frank talk about sexuality."
James Van Der Beek died at 48. His family said he passed peacefully and asked for privacy while grieving their husband, father, son, brother and friend. He revealed in 2024 that he was being treated for colorectal cancer. He made a surprise video appearance in September at a Dawson's Creek reunion charity event after previously dropping out due to illness, appearing projected onstage during a live reading to benefit F Cancer and his foundation, with Lin-Manuel Miranda subbing onstage. Van Der Beek starred as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek (1998–2003) and also appeared in Varsity Blues and CSI: Cyber, remaining closely associated with The WB's teen programming.
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