James Van Der Beek, best known for his role on the primetime teen drama, Dawson’s Creek, has died at the age of 48. The actor was also briefly on As The World Turns as Stephen Anderson in 1995. The actor’s wife, Kimberly, posted the somber news on Instagram, writing, “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.”
Key Takeaways
- James Van Der Beek died at 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, which he publicly revealed in November 2024.
- Van Der Beek had recently been cast in Prime Video’s upcoming Legally Blonde prequel, Elle.
- From Dawson’s Creek to Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction, he became a defining face of late-’90s and early-2000s pop culture.
- Van Der Beek played Stephen Anderson on As The World Turns in 1995.
From Theater Prodigy to Teen Drama Icon
Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek began acting at 16. His professional debut came off-Broadway in Edward Albee’s Finding the Sun, directed by the legendary playwright himself. Years later, after becoming a television star, Van Der Beek would often say he was “a theater kid” at heart.
That foundation led to his breakout moment in 1997 when he was cast as Dawson Leery on Kevin Williamson’s WB drama Dawson’s Creek.
In 1995, early in his acting journey, he appeared on the CBS soap opera As the World Turns, playing Stephen Anderson, the son of Kirk Anderson (portrayed by Tom Wiggin). It was one of his first professional screen roles.
Just three years later, Van Der Beek’s career skyrocketed when he landed the role of Dawson Leery on the WB’s hit primetime drama Dawson’s Creek. The series became a cultural phenomenon, turning the young actor into a household name.
When the series premiered in January 1998, it delivered the highest ratings in The WB’s history. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, ranking as the top program among teenage girls and turning its young cast — Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams — into household names.
Van Der Beek once shared that part of his inspiration for playing Dawson came from The Phantom of the Opera, shaping the character’s romantic and dramatic sensibility. Dawson’s Creek ran from 1998 to 2003 and was syndicated worldwide. In 2020, Netflix introduced the beloved teen drama to a new generation of viewers, reigniting nostalgia and expanding its fan base.
He had planned to reunite with former castmates for a one-night Dawson’s Creek benefit reading supporting F Cancer, but his health prevented him from attending. Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in for the live event, honoring the series that launched Van Der Beek into stardom.
Film Career: Varsity Blues and Cult Classic Fame
At the height of his television fame, Van Der Beek transitioned to film. In 1999, he starred in the football drama Varsity Blues alongside Jon Voight, Amy Smart, Ali Larter, Scott Caan, and Paul Walker. The film became a defining late-’90s teen movie.
Three years later, he headlined The Rules of Attraction, the dark comedy based on Bret Easton Ellis’ novel. Featuring a cast that included Shannyn Sossamon, Ian Somerhalder, Jessica Biel, Kate Bosworth, and Kip Pardue, the film developed a cult following over time, capturing the edgy tone of early-2000s cinema.
Though neither film was initially considered a blockbuster, both have endured as era-defining projects for millennials who grew up during Van Der Beek’s rise.
A Versatile Television Career Beyond Dawson’s Creek
Van Der Beek continued building a diverse television career long after his teen idol days.
He starred opposite Patricia Arquette in CBS’s CSI: Cyber, which ran for two seasons from 2015 to 2016. He also earned critical praise for playing a fictionalized version of himself on ABC’s cult favorite Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, starring Krysten Ritter.
His extensive TV résumé also included:
- Hosting Saturday Night Live in 1999
- A Season 6 arc on One Tree Hill
- Guest roles on Modern Family, How I Met Your Mother, Law & Order: SVU, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Criminal Minds, Medium, Ugly Betty, Robot Chicken.
Across film, television, and theater, Van Der Beek built a career that spanned decades and multiple genres — from teen drama heartthrob to self-aware comedic performer.
