SUMMARY
- James Van Der Beek died Feb. 11 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024.
- He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
- His public disclosure of colorectal cancer added to growing awareness of rising diagnoses among adults under 50.
James Van Der Beek, the American actor best known for his role in the television drama Dawson’s Creek, died Feb. 11 following a yearlong battle with colorectal cancer, according to a statement posted by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
He was 48. The actor died peacefully surrounded by family, Kimberly wrote on Instagram, asking for privacy as the family grieves.
The death of James Van Der Beek marks the loss of an actor whose career spanned network television, independent film and reality competition programming.
Beyond his screen work, Van Der Beek had become increasingly open about family life, personal setbacks and health challenges, including his diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
His decision to speak publicly about the illness placed him among a growing number of public figures highlighting the disease’s impact on younger adults.
Kimberly Van Der Beek announced his death in a statement shared on social media.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek rose to international recognition in the late 1990s as Dawson Leery on the WB network series Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003.
The role made him one of the most recognizable television actors of his generation and helped shape the teen drama genre during a period of rapid expansion in US network programming.
He later appeared in films including Varsity Blues and television series such as CSI Cyber. In recent years, he competed on Dancing with the Stars and appeared in independent projects while focusing on family life.
Van Der Beek married Kimberly in 2010 after the couple met during a 2009 trip to Israel. They wed in Tel Aviv and went on to have six children daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
The couple relocated from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020, citing family priorities and personal health considerations.
In November 2024, Van Der Beek publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
At the time, he said he intended to balance treatment with family life and professional commitments.
Colorectal cancer has increasingly affected adults younger than 50, according to public health authorities. The American Cancer Society has documented a steady rise in early onset colorectal cancer over the past two decades.
“While overall colorectal cancer rates have declined due to screening among older adults, diagnoses among younger adults have been rising,” said Dr. William Dahut, chief scientific officer at the American Cancer Society.
“Public figures who share their experiences can play an important role in raising awareness about symptoms and the importance of timely evaluation.”
The US Preventive Services Task Force lowered the recommended starting age for routine colorectal cancer screening from 50 to 45 in 2021, citing epidemiological data showing increased incidence in younger populations.
Dr. Aasma Shaukat, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health and former chair of the US Preventive Services Task Force’s colorectal cancer screening guideline panel, said awareness remains uneven.
“Many younger adults do not perceive themselves at risk,” Shaukat said. “Symptoms such as persistent changes in bowel habits, rectal bleeding or unexplained weight loss should be evaluated promptly, regardless of age.”
Van Der Beek’s openness about his diagnosis contributed to broader public discussion at a time when advocacy groups have sought to reduce stigma surrounding gastrointestinal cancers.
Colleagues and industry figures responded to news of Van Der Beek’s death by acknowledging both his professional work and personal advocacy.
Kevin Williamson, creator of Dawson’s Creek, said in a statement that Van Der Beek “brought depth and sincerity to a role that resonated with audiences around the world.”
“He carried that same sincerity into his personal life,” Williamson said. “His openness about family and health challenges reflected who he was beyond the screen.”
Kimberly Van Der Beek had previously spoken publicly about the couple’s experiences with pregnancy loss and medical complications, including the need for blood transfusions following miscarriages.
In 2021, the couple partnered with the American Red Cross to promote blood donation awareness.
“There’s a lot of shock, absolute dread, disbelief and then helplessness accompanied by fear,” Van Der Beek said during a prior interview about the family’s medical challenges. “But you go through it breath by breath.”
Health advocates say continued public attention to colorectal cancer may encourage earlier screening and symptom recognition.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has emphasized prevention strategies, including regular screening, dietary considerations and physical activity.
As the entertainment industry reflects on Van Der Beek’s legacy, his family has indicated that further details about memorial plans will be shared at a later date.
James Van Der Beek’s death at 48 concludes a career that began in late 1990s network television and evolved alongside major shifts in media and public discourse.
Survived by Kimberly Van Der Beek and their six children, he leaves behind both a body of work that defined a generation of television viewers and a personal story that contributed to growing awareness of colorectal cancer among younger adults.
NOTE! This article was generated with the support of AI and compiled by professionals from multiple reliable sources, including official statements, press releases, and verified media coverage. For more information, please see our T&C.
