James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48. The actor was best known for his leading turn in Dawson’s Creek as the titular Dawson Leery. He starred in the teen romance alongside Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson.
The star revealed in late 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, with his wife Kimberly sharing a statement on behalf of the family with the news on February 11.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” it read. “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.”
As Hollywood mourns the loss of James, HELLO! looks back on the best photos from the actor’s days on Dawson’s Creek.
© Getty ImagesDawson’s Creek launched many careers
Along with James, the teen drama launched the careers of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. On the show, Katie played Joey Potter – a girl from the wrong side of the tracks who falls for Dawson.
© Getty ImagesDawson’s was a show of many firsts
Throughout its five season run, Dawson’s Creek covered a lot of ground. From class differences, racism, drug addiction, and more, the show was groundbreaking. During its Season 3 finale, Dawson’s Creek made history when it featured the first passionate, romantic kiss between two male characters on a U.S. primetime show. Outside of the show, James was a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+.
In 2018, after Ryan Murphy won an Emmy, James posted to Instagram: “This is a man who was once made fun of for the way he talked, for being too ‘gay.’ too weird. He could have gotten bitter, [but] now he uses his power to give people who have been marginalized a voice, an opportunity, a job.”
© Getty ImagesDawson and the video store
While James’ character was madly in love with Katie’s Joey, he shared the screen with Michelle’s Jen Lindley often. After she moves to the Creek, Dawson and Jen were instantly attracted to each other.
Although the characters didn’t end up together, James and Michelle remained friends. In April 2025, the Oscar nominated actress told Entertainment Tonight: “We’re in contact, and he’s in our hearts and our minds, and he knows that. And we’re here for him in every and all ways.”
© Getty ImagesDawson’s best friend Pacey
Dawson’s Creek was a romance, but it showcased friendships too. Dawson’s best friend was Pacey Witter, played by Joshua. The two worked at a video rental store and lamented about their relationship statuses.
After learning that his former co-star was battling cancer, Joshua told People: “James is going through something really, truly terrible right now. And, I wish I could take credit for this, but I was kind of the absentee partner here, but the girls all got together and were like, ‘We need to do something to help this guy out.'”
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