NEW YORK (AP) — James Van Der Beek, widely recognized for his role in “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away at the age of 48. Known for his portrayal of Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek became a prominent figure in coming-of-age television dramas and later embraced humor about his own image.
A statement from the actor’s family, shared on Instagram, reads: “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. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
In 2024, Van Der Beek publicly disclosed his battle with colorectal cancer.
Despite his illness, the actor made a surprise video appearance at a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion event in New York City. The event, held at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, featured a live reading of the show’s pilot episode to support F Cancer and Van Der Beek. Lin-Manuel Miranda stood in for him during the live event. Van Der Beek expressed his gratitude by saying, “Thank you to every single person here.”
Forever Tied to ‘Dawson’s Creek’
Van Der Beek’s career, while encompassing roles in films like “Varsity Blues” and TV shows such as “CSI: Cyber,” remained closely associated with “Dawson’s Creek.” The series aired from 1998 to 2003, capturing the experiences of a group of high school friends. Van Der Beek played the aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery, a role that left a lasting impact on pop culture.
The show, with its memorable Paula Cole theme song, was a defining series for The WB, engaging young audiences with its articulate dialogue and candid discussions on relationships. It also propelled the careers of its cast members, including Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, and Michelle Williams.
“Dawson’s Creek” pushed boundaries with storylines like a student-teacher affair and intimate teen relationships, paving the way for modern shows like “Euphoria” and “Sex Education.”
Van Der Beek occasionally grappled with being typecast but eventually embraced parodying his “Dawson’s Creek” persona, notably through appearances on Funny Or Die and in Kesha’s “Blow” music video. Speaking to Vulture in 2013, he remarked, “It’s tough to compete with something that was the cultural phenomenon that ‘Dawson’s Creek’ was. It ran for so long. That’s a lot of hours playing one character in front of people. So it’s natural that they associate you with that.”
A Popular GIF and ‘Varsity Blues’
A scene from the end of the show’s third season, where Dawson tearfully watches his soul mate with his best friend, became an iconic GIF. Reflecting on this with Vanity Fair, Van Der Beek explained, “It wasn’t scripted that I was supposed to cry; it was just one of those things where it’s a magical moment and it just happens in the scene.” He humorously recreated this GIF for Funny or Die in 2011, giving it new life.
While starring in “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek also hosted “Saturday Night Live” and landed a key role in “Varsity Blues,” portraying a high school quarterback who is thrust into the spotlight. His character, Mox, challenges the jock culture of his town. Critic Roger Ebert described him as “convincing and likable.”
After ‘Dawson’s Creek’
Post-“Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek engaged in diverse projects, including co-creating and starring in the Viceland mockumentary “What Would Diplo Do?” He also reached the semifinals on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” in 2019 and took on roles in series like “How I Met Your Mother.”
In a 2011 Vanity Fair interview, Van Der Beek noted, “The more you make fun of yourself and don’t try to go for any kind of respect, the more people seem to respect you. I’ve always been a clown trapped in a leading man’s body.”
His TV appearances between 2003 and 2013 included roles in “Criminal Minds,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23.” He also appeared in films like “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” and its sequel, as well as “The Rules of Attraction.”
In 2025, Van Der Beek was unmasked as Griffin on “The Masked Singer” after performing songs by John Denver and Post Malone.
Early Life as a Theater Kid
Van Der Beek began acting at 13 following a football-related concussion. He played Danny Zuko in a school production of “Grease” and went on to perform in off-Broadway productions. He left Drew University early when he landed “Dawson’s Creek,” but returned in 2024 to accept an honorary degree.
Drew University President Hilary Link quoted his “Dawson’s Creek” character during the ceremony: “Edge is fleeting, but heart lasts forever. So on this morning, we pay tribute to that heart.”
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
