Sarah Michelle Gellar pays heartfelt tribute to James Van Der Beek Sarah Michelle Gellar has led the tributes to James Van Der Beek, who has died aged 48. 11 February 2026 Sarah Michelle Gellar believes James Van Der Beek's legacy "will always live on". James Van Der Beek has died aged 48 The actor - who was best known for playing Dawson Leery in the hit TV series Dawson's Creek - has passed away, aged 48, after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer back in August 2023, and Sarah has paid a heartfelt tribute to the TV star.