American actor James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48.
The actor, best known for his portrayal of the titular character Dawson Leery on the teen drama series Dawson’s Creek, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, and he publicly announced his diagnosis the following year.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” his family said in a statement Thursday.
“He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share about his wishes, love for humanity and the sanctity of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our loving husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Born in March 1977 in Connecticut, Van Der Beek made his breakthrough with Dawson’s Creek, a teen drama that premiered in 1998. Van Der Beek played the eponymous character, an introspective teenager, until the show’s finale in 2003.
The series followed a group of friends in high school as they learned about falling in love, making real friendships and finding their footing in life.
The actor made a surprise video appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event in New York City in September, after previously dropping out due to illness.
In addition to his role on Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek also appeared on the series Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Pose. His film credits include 1999’s Varsity Blues and 2002’s The Rules of Attraction.
Van Der Beek married his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek in 2010. The couple had six children together.
– With additional reporting by Associated Press via the Australian Associated Press.
For the latest news from SBS News, download our app And subscribe to our newsletter.
#James #Van #Der #Beek #Dawsons #Creek #star #aged