Actor James Van Der Beek, famous for starring in the teen drama "Dawson’s Creek," died today, February 11, 2026. He was 48 years old.
His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced the news in an Instagram post, stating that he passed away peacefully this morning. She requested privacy for the family during their time of mourning. Van Der Beek first announced he had colon cancer in a November 2024 interview with People magazine.
Career Highlights
Van Der Beek became a household name and a teen idol in the late 1990s. He played the lead character, Dawson Leery, throughout the show’s run from 1998 to 2003.
In addition to his success on television, critics praised his performance in the 1999 movie "Varsity Blues." His role in that film earned him an MTV Movie Award.
Over the following decades, Van Der Beek appeared in several other TV shows, including "One Tree Hill," "CSI: Cyber," and "Criminal Minds." Later in his career, he became known for taking on roles that poked fun at his own fame, often playing exaggerated versions of himself.
Health Context
His death brings renewed attention to colon cancer. According to health statistics from 2025, colon cancer was the third most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
Van Der Beek is survived by Kimberly and their six children. The family has not yet released details about memorial services.
