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Hollywood is mourning the loss of actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his iconic role on ‘Dawson’s Creek,’ following news of his passing at age 48.
The heartbreaking announcement was made Wednesday by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, who shared that the actor died after a battle with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. In a statement posted on his Instagram account, Kimberly said he passed peacefully, surrounded by love.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote. “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.”
James, a father of six, revealed in November 2024 that he had been privately facing the diagnosis since August 2023.
The actor rose to fame as Dawson Leery in the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek, which aired for six seasons from January 1998 to May 2003 and became a defining series of its era. During breaks from the show, he expanded his film career with notable roles, including Texas high school quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon in Varsity Blues and Sean Bateman in The Rules of Attraction.
Over the years, James continued to build a diverse television career, appearing in series such as ‘One Tree Hill,’ ‘How I Met Your Mother,’ and ‘Friends With Better Lives.’ He also starred in ‘Mercy, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23,’ ‘CSI: Cyber,’ the Viceland comedy ‘What Would Diplo Do?’,’and the FX drama ‘Pose.’
Celebrity friends and co-stars have written their messages expressing fond memories for the late actor and wishing his family strength.
