James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48, according to TMZ. A representative for the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to the outlet that his death was reported at 6:44 a.m. No cause of death was immediately given.
The actor revealed in late 2024 that he had been battling colorectal cancer. He had planned to reunite with his former castmates from “Dawson’s Creek” in September but withdrew due to health reasons.
Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late 1990s as the titular character on “Dawson’s Creek.” He later appeared in films including “Varsity Blues” and “Scary Movie,” and in the television series “Pose.”
James Van Der Beek’s Marriage to Kimberly Van Der Beek
James met Kimberly Van Der Beek, née Brook, in July 2009 while in Israel. The couple confirmed they were expecting their first child in April 2010 and quietly married in August of that year during a small spiritual ceremony in Israel.
Over the years, both spoke openly about building their life together. In 2019, Kimberly told People that with a large family, “Now, date nights are on the couch ordering in and snuggling up.”
Their marriage spanned 14 years and centered on raising their children together.
The ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Star on Kimberly’s Support During Cancer Battle
The “Dancing With the Stars” fan favorite credits his wife, Kimberly, for keeping him going, calling her “an absolute saint.” She’s become a caregiver, nurse, the head of the household, and the one managing schedules — getting the kids to appointments and gymnastics, he said.
The couple has been honest about his diagnosis with their six children, who are between the ages of 4 and 15. The worst-case scenario of them crying and being scared never happened, he noted.
“Kids know if you’re not right. They know if you’re sick. They know you’re not feeling well. They know if you’re in pain,” Van Der Beek told “Today” in December 2025.
“So their request to me, especially the older ones, is, ‘Just be honest with us. We want to know.’”
He’s proud to see them build resilience as they handle situations he never wanted to put them in and come out stronger.
James Van Der Beek’s Role as a Father of Six
James and Kimberly share six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah. Their youngest son was born in October 2021 after the couple experienced multiple pregnancy losses.
Van Der Beek often spoke about fatherhood. “I think fatherhood changes you from the inside out,” he told People in 2013. “It comes with a lack of free time but that’s a trade-off I’m happy to make for family.”
He added in another interview, “We have watched our lives change with each kid. We’ve watched opportunities grow, and we’ve seen the positive effect it’s had on our other kids. And the added love brought into the house lights everybody up in a way that is kind of undeniable.”
Van Der Beek also shared his parenting philosophy in 2020, saying, “My philosophy has always been to be completely honest.”
When he publicly disclosed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, he credited his family for their support.
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he said. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
