Actor and millennial heart-throb James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” his family said in a statement posted to his social media accounts.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
James leaves behind his wife Kimberley and six children.
“I don’t want to wait”
Despite going on to star in many other series and movies, James was forever connected to “Dawson’s Creek”.
The teen drama ran from 1998 to 2003 and made stars out of much of the cast including Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams.
The series followed a group of high school friends as they learned about falling in love, creating friendships and finding their footing in life.
Van Der Beek, at the time aged 20, played 15-year-old Dawson Leery.
Many viewers credit “Dawson’s Creek” with paving the way for future, more ‘racier’ teen dramas such as “Euphoria” after featuring trailblazing storylines like Pacey’s (Joshua Jackson) affair with a school teacher 20 years his senior.
Along with its moody theme song, “I Don’t Want To Wait” by Paula Cole, “Dawson’s Creek” defined a generation.
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Cancer diagnosis
The star was diagnosed with the disease in the latter half of 2023 but only revealed the news in November 2024.
In an interview with Business Insider, he revealed he started experiencing changes in his bowel movements, a common symptom of bowel cancer.
A screening test revealed he had stage three of the disease, which meant it had spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Friends mourn the star
On Instagram, Katie Holmes shared a handwritten note she wrote in tribute to her “beloved” co-star.
She said the news is “a lot to process” as she recalled their “adventures of a unique youth”.
Actor Reese Witherspoon was one of the last stars who got to work with Van Der Beek on the forthcoming Legally Blonde TV series.
She wrote: “What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.”
“Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”
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