James Van Der Beek, the American actor known for his roles in '90s TV drama Dawson's Creek and movie Varsity Blues, died on Wednesday after a battle with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was 48. His family announced his death in an Instagram post, writing, "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," the statement continued. View this post on Instagram Story continues below advertisement Van Der Beek revealed in 2024 that he was being treated for colorectal cancer. 2:22 James Van Der Beek reveals cancer diagnosis He recently 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. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. The late actor starred in Varsity Blues and on television in CSI: Cyber as FBI special agent Elijah Mundo, but was best known for his role as the title character Dawson Leery in Dawson's Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003. Trending Now Olympic medallist wins bronze, confesses on live tv to cheating on girlfriend B.C. school shooting 'one of the worst mass shootings' in Canada, minister says "It's tough to compete with something that was the cultural phenomenon that Dawson's Creek was," he told Vulture in 2013. "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." Story continues below advertisement While still on Dawson's Creek, Van Der Beek hosted Saturday Night Live - the musical guest was Everlast - and landed a plum role in Varsity Blues, playing a second-string high school quarterback who leaps into the breach when the star suffers an injury.
The actor most recently appeared in comedy TV series Overcompensating and is set to star in Elle, a Legally Blonde prequel series premiering in July.
Born and raised in Cheshire, Conn., Van Der Beek started acting at 13 after suffering a concussion playing football that prevented him from playing for a year on doctor's orders.
During this time, he landed the role of Danny Zuko in his school production of Grease.
He stuck with theatre and earned a scholarship to Drew University in New Jersey, but left school early to star in Dawson's Creek. In 2024, he returned to campus to accept an honorary degree for his "selfless service and exemplary commitment to the mission of Drew," the university said.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.- With files from The Associated Press More on Entertainment More videos Cold snow, hot takes: Lululemon Olympics gear Catherine O'Hara's cause of death revealed 3 Doors Down lead singer Brad Arnold dead at 47 Savannah Guthrie posts 2nd video pleading for mom's return: 'We will pay' The Morning Show: February 11 Pillion: Alexander Skarsgård and Henry Melling push the limit in erotic biker drama Jeff McArthur tries his hand (again) working at McDonald's Britney Spears sells entire music catalog for $200 million USD