The Dawson's Creek cast is mourning the death of their costar James Van Der Beek following his death at age 48. Van Der Beek's family confirmed on Wednesday, February 11, that the actor, who portrayed the titular character on the hit '90s teen drama, had died following a battle with colorectal cancer. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," James' wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared in a statement shared via his Instagram at the time.