SUMMARY
- James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after publicly sharing a colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024
- The actor was known globally for “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues”
- His death highlights rising colorectal cancer rates among adults under 50
James Van Der Beek, the American actor best known for his roles in “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues,” has died at age 48 following a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, his publicist and wife confirmed.
His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, said he died peacefully Thursday morning. A cause of death was not disclosed.
The death of James Van Der Beek marks the loss of a defining television figure of the late 1990s whose career spanned film, network television and streaming platforms.
His passing also draws renewed attention to colorectal cancer, which has become a leading cause of cancer deaths among younger adults in the United States.
Van Der Beek rose to international prominence as Dawson Leery on the WB drama “Dawson’s Creek,” which aired from 1998 to 2003.
In 1999, he starred in the football drama “Varsity Blues,” cementing his place in popular culture.
In November 2024, Van Der Beek announced he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer.
In interviews with People magazine, he said he was “feeling good” and taking steps to address the illness. In late 2025, he auctioned career memorabilia to help fund treatment.
He married business consultant Kimberly Brook in 2010. The couple shared six children. He was previously married to actress Heather McComb from 2003 to 2009.
Rebecca Siegel, director of surveillance research at the American Cancer Society, said colorectal cancer is now the second leading cause of cancer death among adults under 50 in the United States.
“We have seen a steady increase in diagnoses in younger age groups over the past decade,” Siegel said.
Dr. Aasma Shaukat, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, said awareness and early screening remain critical.
“Symptoms such as blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss and persistent abdominal pain should prompt medical evaluation,” Shaukat said.
Whitney Tancred, Van Der Beek’s publicist, confirmed the actor’s death to CBS News. In a statement on Instagram, Kimberly Van Der Beek said he met his final days “with courage, faith and grace.”
Public health agencies continue to expand screening campaigns aimed at younger adults as colorectal cancer rates climb. Medical organizations are urging earlier detection and lifestyle interventions.
James Van Der Beek’s death at 48 closes a career that shaped a generation of television viewers while underscoring the growing impact of colorectal cancer on younger populations.
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