Actor James Van Der Beek, famous for playing Dawson Leery on *Dawson’s Creek*, died at age 48 on February 11, 2026, after battling stage III colorectal cancer. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
Beyond his breakout teen drama, Van Der Beek starred in popular films like *Varsity Blues* and later showcased his self-aware humor in TV shows like *Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23*.
Diagnosed in 2024, he faced his health struggle with remarkable openness while continuing to work and put his family first.
He leaves behind an enduring legacy across decades of television and film.
