James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Varsity Blues’ star, dies at 48

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James Van Der Beek, known for his roles in the popular TV show “Dawson’s Creek” and the movie “Varsity Blues,” has passed away at the age of 48.

Actor Jonathan Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leery on the WB series Dawson’s Creek, passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning. His family announced his death in a statement posted to his Instagram account, sharing that he had been battling colorectal cancer since November 2024.

He faced his final days with bravery, strong beliefs, and dignity. The family shared that he deeply cared for others and valued every moment. They request privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend, knowing a time will come when they can share more about his wishes and life.

James Van Der Beek first became famous as a teen idol in the 1990s, and has since appeared in over 70 movies and TV shows. He’s known for roles like a satirical version of himself – a washed-up actor called “The Beek From the Creek” on the show “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23” – and as a smart but rebellious football player in the 1999 film “Varsity Blues.”

This is a developing story.

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2026-02-11 23:01