Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his breakout role in "Dawson's Creek," has died at 48 after battling colorectal cancer.
His family shared the news in an emotional Instagram statement, confirming he "passed peacefully," and saying he faced his final days "with courage, faith, and grace." They also asked for privacy as they mourn their "loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife and their six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah — a family he often called his greatest source of strength. Even as he dealt with illness, he remained focused on faith, resilience, and using his platform to raise awareness.
His Cancer Diagnosis
Earlier this year, Van Der Beek publicly revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in an exclusive interview, describing it as a life-altering moment that reshaped his priorities.
In another interview, he spoke about early symptoms — persistent fatigue and subtle physical changes — that he initially chalked up to stress and a demanding schedule.
When the issues didn't go away, he sought medical testing, which ultimately led to his diagnosis. He later urged others to pay attention to their bodies and not ignore warning signs.
A Career That Defined a Generation
Van Der Beek became a household name in the late 1990s as Dawson Leery, anchoring "Dawson's Creek" through its six-season run and becoming a defining teen-TV figure of the era.
He went on to build a wide-ranging career across film and television, blending drama and comedy while maintaining a loyal fan base. In recent years, he also spoke openly about stepping away from Hollywood's fast pace to prioritize family life. He relocated with his wife and children to a quieter, more grounded home base.
His Final Public Moments
In one of his last major interviews, Van Der Beek sat down with Today and became visibly emotional while recalling September's "Dawson’s Creek" reunion, where his family received a standing ovation.
He couldn't attend in person after being "hit with some stomach bugs," but he appeared via Zoom and watched fans warmly embrace his loved ones in the room.
He explained that his absence wasn't cancer-related and addressed the dramatic weight loss viewers noticed. He reassured fans, "I feel much, much better than I did a couple months ago." He later added, "I'd lost so much weight because of the stomach virus, yeah. No, it was not cancer-related. Although with cancer everything's like, ‘Why don't we super-size that stomach virus?'"
Fans responded with a mix of worry and hope. "It's very sad to see him looking so sick," one wrote. Another one said, "Oh God! May he recover completely. His wife and children need him." Another fan added, "It's aged him tremendously. Praying for him."
Away from TV, his most recent Instagram post centered on family — a tender message dedicated to his daughter. "My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared - they seemed so different to me," he wrote. The photo showed him gently hugging her, and it became his final update.
The loss of Van Der Beek at 48 marks a heartbreaking end to a journey he chose to face with openness and courage — leaving behind his wife, six children, and a legacy defined by both his career and his devotion to family.
Community Rallies to Support His Family
Meanwhile, a friend of the family set up a GoFundMe after the family faced emotional and heavy financial strain while supporting Van Der Beek through his illness. In the aftermath of his death, his wife, Kimberly, and the children are dealing with an uncertain future.
They had medical bills and cancer treatment costs to deal with, leaving their finances depleted as they tried to remain in their home and keep the children's education stable. The fundraiser aims to help cover basic living expenses, bills, and school costs as the family rebuilds. By publication time, it had raised $1,164,547 toward its $1.3 million goal.
Final Days Remembered Through Emotional Tributes from Close Friends
Members of Van Der Beek's close circle have also posted personal photos from his final days. Former WWE star Stacy Keibler said she visited him shortly before he died and shared a photo from that visit on Instagram.
In the image, the actor is seated in a wheelchair and looks noticeably weak, while Keibler crouches beside him as they take in a sunset together. Keibler wrote in the caption, "Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God.
I have never been so present in my life."
She continued, "When you know time is sacred, you don't waste a single breath. You don't rush. You don't scroll. You don't worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen. You hold hands. You watch the sky change colors, and you let it change you too."
The athlete shared that spending the final days with Van Der Beek taught her more about staying present than any book had. She added that he showed what it means to trust God’s plan, even in moments that break your heart — especially when they do.
Keibler also penned, "The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down…and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here. And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky…as if to remind us that none of this is random."
She also praised her late friend, describing him as an "incredible husband" to his wife and an "extraordinary dad" to their children, even during his long cancer battle.
Keibler shared that it was remarkable how he kept fighting for so long, traveled while facing so much, and still carried himself with the same charm, noting that his smile never faded. She added that he gave the world many gifts and that his presence had been a bright light in her life and in the lives of many others.
She said that although he is no longer here physically, she believes his spirit is continuing to do meaningful things and that she can already feel it. Keibler noted that while he is gone from earth, something extraordinary was gained in heaven.
She shared that sunsets and rainbows will now remind her of him, saying she will see those moments as signs that he is still there.
The athlete concluded, "And maybe the lesson you leave us with is this: The present moment is everything.
Love the people in front of you.
Say the words.
Watch the sunset.
Trust God, even when you don't understand. Thank you for changing me.
I will carry you with me. Always 🤍."
Designer Erin Fetherston also shared in an emotional Instagram post that she had been by the actor's side during his final days.
Fetherston shared a carousel of pictures, with one touching slide showing Van Der Beek in bed as she stood over him and held his hand. She penned, "Brother James, You were loved by the whole world, but to us — you were Uncle James. Thank you for your friendship. For always showing up. For being the one who would go the extra mile."
Fetherston revealed that when their dog died in the middle of the night, it was the actor who came over to help bury it. She added that when her children were born, he and Kimberly were the very first to visit, saying he did not just celebrate their life milestones — he was part of them.
She wrapped up with intense emotion, "What an honor it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend. The space you leave behind can never be filled, but we will do our best to shower your beautiful family with love and remember to keep dancing in your honor — because you always knew the importance of joy. We love you. Always. 🤍."
The heartfelt tributes shared by James Van Der Beek's friends moved fans online, who responded with emotional reactions. One early comment captured the shock many felt, "Tragic to loose [sic] a life at such a young age 💔." Another viewer focused on the emotional weight of the moment, writing, "This is making me cry. So beautiful."
Among the stream of tributes, one note balanced admiration with sorrow, reading, "Oh, this is beautiful and heartbreaking 💔."
Van Der Beek will be remembered not only for his mark on the entertainment world but even more for his kindness, love, and devotion to friends and family.
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