Page 1 of 1

RIP James Van Der Beek

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 2:58 pm
by Vandal
James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and ‘Varsity Blues’ star, dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, the actor who starred in the teen drama series “Dawson’s Creek” and the sports drama “Varsity Blues,” has died. He was 48.

Known for wooing audiences as aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery in the WB series, Van Der Beek died peacefully Wednesday morning. His family confirmed his death, writing in a statement on the actor’s Instagram account. The actor battled colorectal cancer, a condition he revealed in November 2024.

“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,” the statement said. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-a ... sons-creek

Re: RIP James Van Der Beek

Posted: Wed Feb 11, 2026 4:12 pm
by Bob Juch
That's a good example of why you shouldn't wait until you're 50 to have a colonoscopy.

Re: RIP James Van Der Beek

Posted: Thu Feb 12, 2026 10:07 am
by danielh41
Very sad. In the phone game playoff that resulted in my appearance on the show, I had to put the four words of his name in the correct order (probably the first question since it was easy).