James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring roles in “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues,” has died at 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” a statement shared on his official Instagram account read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.” The message asked for “peaceful privacy” for his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
Following the news, friends launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his family. As of publication, the fundraiser has surpassed $2 million.
Here’s a look at the movies and TV shows that defined his career.
‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998–2003)
James Van Der Beek rose to fame as Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek.” He starred alongside Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson in the coming-of-age drama, which aired for six seasons.
The role earned him a Teen Choice Award nomination and established him as one of the defining teen stars of the late 1990s.
‘Varsity Blues’ (1999)
Van Der Beek starred as high school quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon in “Varsity Blues,” opposite Jon Voight.
The sports drama became a cult favorite and earned Van Der Beek both an MTV Movie Award and a Teen Choice Award for his performance.
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Season 28 (2019)
In 2019, Van Der Beek competed on “Dancing With the Stars” season 28, where he quickly became a frontrunner and fan favorite.
He partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater and consistently earned high scores throughout the competition. The pair ultimately finished in fifth place.
Following news of his passing, Slater shared a tribute on Instagram. “My partner. My big brother. Over the many photos we’ve taken over the years, this one is still my favorite. Dancing and laughing. It’s what we do,” she wrote, alongside a photo of the two after performing a Paso Doble.
‘The Rules of Attraction’ (2002)
In “The Rules of Attraction,” Van Der Beek took on a darker role alongside Ian Somerhalder, Shannyn Sossamon, Jessica Biel, and Kate Bosworth.
The film marked a departure from his earlier teen heartthrob image.
‘Ugly Betty’ and ‘How I Met Your Mother’
Van Der Beek guest-starred in a 2007 episode of “Ugly Betty,” starring America Ferrera. He later appeared on “How I Met Your Mother,” which aired from 2008 to 2012, alongside Neil Patrick Harris and the ensemble cast.
‘One Tree Hill’ and ‘Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23’
Van Der Beek appeared in several episodes of “One Tree Hill” in 2009.
From 2012 to 2013, he played a heightened parody of himself on “Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23,” starring Krysten Ritter. The self-aware role introduced him to a new generation of viewers.
‘Vampirina’ and ‘Pose’
Van Der Beek voiced Boris Hauntley on Disney Channel’s “Vampirina,” which aired from 2017 to 2021.
He also appeared in multiple episodes of “Pose” in 2018, the series created by Steven Canals, Brad Falchuk, and Ryan Murphy.
‘Overcompensating’ and ‘Elle’
In 2025, Van Der Beek appeared in two episodes of “Overcompensating.”
His final role will be in the upcoming “Legally Blonde” prequel series “Elle,” set to debut on Prime Video this summer.
