Hollywood is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek, the “Dawson’s Creek” star who died on Wednesday at the age of 48.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and made his diagnosis public the following year.
The actor’s family announced the news with a statement on his Instagram: “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.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chad Michael Murray and more paid tribute to Van Der Beek in the comments of the Instagram post.
“I’m so sad for your beautiful family,” Gellar wrote. “While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. Fuck Cancer.”
Murray shared similar sentiments, writing, “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”
“Dancing With the Stars” pro Emma Slater, who competed with Van Der Beek on Season 28, commented, “I’m so devastated. He is and will always be family to me. Love you so much James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.”
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Paul Walter Hauser posted on his Instagram page an image of the amount he raised for Van Der Beek’s cancer treatment, along with the message: “Love you, James. I know you’re in Heaven being pampered with love. The Van Der Beeks will be in our daily prayers and we’ll be drumming up some money to support your beautiful family. Thanks for the body of work and for being one of the good guys.”
Van Der Beek was known for playing Dawson Leary on the WB drama series “Dawson’s Creek,” which ran for six seasons from 1998 to 2003. He went on to appear in multiple shows, including playing a fictionalized version of himself on the ABC sitcom “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.” Other television credits include “Mercy,” “How I Met Your Mother,” “Friends With Better Lives,” “CSI: Cyber,” “Pose,” “Vampirina” and more.
On the film side, Van Der Beek starred as Mox in the 1999 sports dramedy “Varsity Blues.” His additional film credits include “Texas Rangers,” “The Rules of Attraction,” “Formosa Betrayed,” “Labor Day” and “Bad Hair.”
From Variety US