After a courageous and private battle with colorectal cancer, the actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery died peacefully on February 11, 2026. From his breakout years on Dawson’s Creek to his later success as a comedic character actor, Van Der Beek leaves behind a legacy of emotional sincerity and a storied career that shaped the landscape of modern television.
Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in late 2023, Van Der Beek spent much of his final years advocating for cancer awareness while relocating to a quiet ranch in Texas with his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
Dawson’s Creek: The Birth of a New Hero
In 1998, Van Der Beek became an overnight sensation as the title character in Dawson’s Creek. As Dawson Leery, an aspiring filmmaker with a penchant for hyper-articulate soul-searching, he helped define a new era of adolescent storytelling. Alongside co-stars Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams.
Varsity Blues and the Big Screen
At the height of his Creek fame, Van Der Beek transitioned to film with the 1999 sports drama Varsity Blues. Playing Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, a backup quarterback who defies his overbearing coach, James proved he could lead a box-office hit.
A Career of Versatility
Beyond his most famous roles, James maintained a prolific presence in both TV and film. He delivered a chilling performance in the dark satire The Rules of Attraction (2002) and starred in the procedural drama CSI: Cyber as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo. His guest turns on shows like How I Met Your Mother, Criminal Minds, and his 2019 run on Dancing with the Stars showcased a man who truly loved the craft of performance in all its forms, from the dramatic to the absurd
