"Dawson was strong and sensitive in equal measure. He was a thoroughly nice guy in a show that refused to treat that status as an insult. He was as thoroughly fantastical as the show that shared his name. But the character worked-and the show worked with him-because, against all odds, he seemed so warm and real. That is mostly because he was played by James Van Der Beek."
"Van Der Beek died yesterday at the age of 48, after announcing in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. The actor leaves behind a large family-he and his wife, Kimberly, had six children-and a legacy that extends far beyond the character who made him, for a certain generation of TV viewers, an icon. Dawson's ended its run in 2003;"
Dawson's Creek presented an idealized vision of adolescence through the fictional town of Capeside and the character Dawson Leery, a dreamy filmmaker who spent six TV seasons occupying young viewers' affections. James Van Der Beek portrayed Dawson, bringing warmth and realism to a character who combined strength, sensitivity, and persistent niceness. Van Der Beek died at 48 after announcing a 2024 diagnosis of Stage 3 colorectal cancer, and he leaves a large family with six children. After Dawson's Creek ended in 2003, he pursued diverse work in comedy, drama, film, and television, including notable roles and a memorable turn playing himself on a sitcom.
Read at The Atlantic
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