James Van Der Beek, the beloved “Dawson’s Creek” actor, has died. He was 48.
The actor and father of six had been quietly battling stage 3 colorectal cancer since August 2023.
However, in November 2024, he told People magazine that was forced to reveal his diagnosis after learning “a tabloid was going to run with the news.”
“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before,” Van Der Beek added in a statement to the magazine at the time.
“I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready.”
Colorectal cancer — also known as colon cancer or rectal cancer, depending on where it starts — has an overall five-year survival rate of 64 percent but it varies by stage, according to medical experts.
Shortly after opening up about his health struggles, Van Der Beek put on a brave face by attending the red carpet premiere of Tubi’s “Sidelined: The QB And Me.”
However, he soon after confessed that cancer treatment had put a financial strain on his family and began selling autographed “Varsity Blues” merch to help fund his care.
Throughout his journey, Van Der Beek leaned on his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek — with whom he shared Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3 — for support.
In March, on his 48th birthday, he admitted he “could no longer be the husband that was helpful to [his] wife” and “could no longer be a father, who could pick up his kids and put them and be there for them.”
A few months later, James sparked concern when he dropped out of a pre-scheduled “Dawson’s Creek” reunion due to dealing with two stomach viruses amid his cancer battle.
However, he surprised the audience by appearing virtually at the event.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” the TV star told attendees in New York City. “I can’t believe I don’t get to see my … beautiful cast in person.”
James rose to fame in the late ’90s as the titular character, Dawson Leery, in “Dawson’s Creek” alongside co-stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams, Busy Philipps and more.
He then went on land starring roles in movies such as “Varsity Blues” and “The Rules of Attraction,” and was featured in more than 60 film and TV projects over the course of his career.
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