'Dawson's Creek' star James van der Beek dies at 48

James Van Der Beek has died at 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

The heartbreaking news about the 'Dawson’s Creek' star was shared in a post to his official Instagram page this morning.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the caption read, alongside a photo of the actor.

“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.”

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 and went public with his illness in November 2024.

Last September, fans expressed concern for the 'Varsity Blues' star after he appeared gaunt during a pre-recorded message shown during a 'Dawson's Creek' reunion event. Three months later, Van Der Beek insisted his weight loss was caused by the stomach virus rather than a result of his cancer. "It's required more of me - more patience, more discipline," he admitted during an appearance on the Today show of his fight against the disease. "More strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong, I didn't know I was this strong."

Even while fighting the disease, he kept working, doing what he "loved" - appearing on TV series 'Walker' in 2024 and Amazon Prime's 'Overcompensating' in 2025.

For so many fans van der Beek was the face of their teens and early adulthood. He will be sorely missed by many.

He is survived by wife, Kimberly, and their six children.