Renowned actor James David Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed his death on Instagram, sharing that he “passed peacefully this morning” and that he faced his final days “with courage, faith, and grace.”
Van Der Beek, best known for his iconic role as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, had been open about his health struggles. In 2024, he revealed that he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer and candidly shared updates on his journey with fans in the months that followed.
Kimberly Van Der Beek noted that James had a deep love for humanity and valued the “sacredness of time,” adding, “There is much to share regarding his wishes… Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. His passing leaves a profound mark on the entertainment world and his family, who continue to mourn his loss.
