James Van Der Beek died at age 48 following his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
His wife Kimberly Van Der Beek confirmed the news on Instagram on Wednesday, February 11. Dawson’s Creek and University blue The star spent her final months focusing on family, faith and raising awareness about early detection.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote. “He faced his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Van Der Beek, a father of six, first revealed his diagnosis exclusively to People magazine in November 2024. At the time, he said he was prioritizing his health and the time he had with Kimberly and his children: his daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and his sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
Even while in treatment, he pushed to raise awareness. “I’ve learned a lot,” he told Business Insider. “If I can save someone from having to go through this, that’s magic.”
Just a few months ago, in September, he made a surprise virtual appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event after an illness forced him to miss the live show. Castmates Michelle Williams, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Busy Philipps reunited for a table read, with Lin-Manuel Miranda filling in.
The event also served to raise funds for F Cancer and a tribute to the actor.
