Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who spent time in New Jersey as a student at Drew University, has died following a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48 years old.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” read an announcement on his Instagram account on Wednesday, February 11. “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.”
He leaves behind his wife of nearly 16 years, Kimberly, and their six children.
Van Der Beek grew up in Cheshire, Connecticut and moved to New Jersey to attend college at Drew, located in Madison. He ended up leaving school in 1998 when he landed the role that would change his life: Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek. He played the titular role on the series for all six seasons (1998-2003) alongside actors who would also became stars, including Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson.
In 2024, just months before his cancer diagnosis, Van Der Beek accepted an honorary degree from Drew and delivered the commencement speech to graduates.
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“May you approach [the future] with openness, presence, awareness, optimism and a healthy sense of awe. After all, unpredictability opens up a world of possibility,” he said from the podium.
At Drew, Van Der Beek studied English and sociology and was a member of the a cappella group 36 Madison Ave.
On Wednesday, upon news of Van Der Beek’s death, Drew posted a tribute to the star, writing: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of James Van Der Beek. In 2024, the actor delivered Drew University’s commencement address and was presented an honorary degree from the school he said he ‘deferred his education from’ to take the lead role on Dawson’s Creek.”
In November of 2024, Van Der Beek revealed that he’d been diagnosed with stage 3 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 told People at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
This past September, the entire cast of Dawson’s, spearheaded by Williams, was set to join forces as a charity fundraiser for F Cancer, inspired by Van Der Beek. At the last minute, Van Der Beek had to pull out due to illness, though he did appear in a virtual message at the event.
Over the years, the actor also had roles in Varsity Blues, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, and a number of other film and TV projects.
