James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48, as confirmed by sources including TMZ. A representative from the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that authorities were notified of his death at 6:44 AM. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Shortly after the news broke, Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberley, took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute. She wrote, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.”
In late 2024, Van Der Beek publicly revealed that he was battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. Despite the challenging diagnosis, he expressed optimism about his situation during an interview with People. He became emotional while discussing his journey on “Good Morning America,” expressing deep gratitude for the unwavering support of his wife throughout this difficult time.
The actor had been slated to reunite with his “Dawson’s Creek” co-stars in September but had to withdraw due to health concerns. Van Der Beek initially gained fame in the late 1990s for his role as Dawson Leery in the hit series. Over the years, he expanded his repertoire with notable performances in films like “Scary Movie,” “Varsity Blues,” and the acclaimed series “Pose.”
The last public appearance noted for Van Der Beek was at the Egyptian Theater in Park City during the Sundance Film Festival in January 2020. Many will remember him as an influential figure in both television and film, leaving behind a legacy that touched the hearts of many.
