It’s hard to even put this into words, but James Van Der Beek (the actor who made us all swoon as Dawson Leery and gave us so many unforgettable roles across TV and film) has passed away at 48. The heartbreaking news was announced earlier today, February 11, 2026, though no cause of death was listed, per TMZ. Fans will know James had been battling colorectal cancer since late 2024. And the disease also kept him from attending the “Dawson’s Creek” reunion last September.
GettyIn a statement on James’ and his wife Kimberly’s social media, the family shared:
“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.”
It seems like James’ life, on-screen and off, was always about heart, humor, and honesty. Here’s a look at his final roles in both film and television, as well as the legacy he leaves behind.
From Teen Heartthrob to Versatile Performer
GettyOf course, James will always be Dawson to most of us. “Dawson’s Creek” wasn’t just a show; it was a cultural moment of the 90’s. And James’ portrayal of Dawson Leery helped define a generation of teen drama. But he didn’t stop there. He went on to star in “Varsity Blues,” parody classic films in “Scary Movie,” and land roles in shows like “Pose” and “CSI: Cyber.” Over his career, he racked up more than 70 credits, proving he could do drama, comedy, and everything in between.
James also showed off his playful side on reality TV. He competed on “Dancing with the Stars” Season 28 in 2019 and took on “The Masked Singer” in 2025 as The Griffin. Reminding us he could dance, sing, and make us laugh… all while staying effortlessly charming.
Even with his health struggles, he kept working. In 2025, he appeared on the series “Overcompensating” as Charlie for two episodes. His ability to keep delivering performances, even while sick, speaks to his dedication and love for acting
James Van Der Beek’s Final Role & Legacy
On the movie side, James’ last big roles were in “Sidelined: The QB and Me” (2024) and its sequel, “Sidelined 2: Intercepted” (2025). He played Leroy Lahey, the father of Noah Beck’s character. The films also starred Siena Agudong, Drew Ray Tanner, Deborah Cox, Asia Lizardo, and Jake Foy. A talented ensemble that made these movies a memorable part of his late career.
He was also set to appear in the “Legally Blonde” prequel television series “Elle,” as Dean Wilson, according to Variety. It’s not clear if his scenes were finished. But if they were, that could be his final on-screen role. If not, “Sidelined 2: Intercepted” will hold that honor.
James’ legacy isn’t just about the characters he played; it’s about how he lived. A devoted husband to Kimberly and a father of six, he used his voice to raise awareness about cancer and stayed honest about his struggles. Always reminding us of the value of time, love, and laughter.
He’ll be remembered for his talent, his charm, and the genuine way he connected with fans. James Van Der Beek may be gone, but the roles, the laughs, and the love he shared will stick with us for a long time.
