Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his leading turn in Dawson's Creek as the titular Dawson Leery, has passed away at the age of 48.
The star revealed in late 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, with his wife Kimberly sharing a statement on behalf of the family with the news on February 11.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," it read. "He met 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 grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," it concluded, with fans and friends flooding the comments section with condolences for the family.
The actor has been married to Kimberly since 2010, and together they share children Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
In November 2024, James spoke about his cancer battle for the first time, telling People: "I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family."
He later wrote about it on social media, penning: "Apologies to all the people in my life who I'd planned on telling myself," he penned. "Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline…But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention," adding: "Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support."
His last social media post was on January 25, when he commemorated both his daughter Annabel and his father's birthdays. "My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared – they seemed so different to me."
© Penske Media via Getty Images"But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart," he continued. "I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most."
"I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you’re in more fun. Different senses of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this."
© InstagramLast September, the actor was due to make an appearance at a Dawson's Creek reunion put together by much of the cast, spearheaded by Michelle Williams, but was unable to appear due to ill health.
Kimberly later posted a GoFundMe page for the family, set up by a friend, in the wake of the "significant financial strain" that came from James' medical bills and the "extended fight against cancer." Just under $103k has been raised as of writing.
