Actor James Van Der Beek Dies at 48
Actor James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48. His death followed a battle with colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek was widely known for his roles in film and television over the past three decades.
- He was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 after experiencing changes in his bowel habits, but only shared the diagnosis publicly in November 2024. - Van Der Beek became a vocal advocate for early cancer detection, encouraging people to get screened from the age of 45 and to be aware of subtle symptoms. - His death highlights a growing trend, as colorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States for people under 50. - Beyond his breakout role as Dawson Leery on "Dawson's Creek" (1998–2003), he also starred in the 1999 film "Varsity Blues" and played a satirical version of himself on the sitcom "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23." - To help with medical costs, he auctioned off memorabilia from his career in November 2025. - He is survived by his wife, business consultant Kimberly Brook, whom he married in 2010, and their six children.
