How Did James Van Der Beek Die?
James Van Der Beek died of Colorectal cancer on February 14, 2026, at age 48.
What was James Van Der Beek's cause of death?
James Van Der Beek announced publicly in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He shared his diagnosis openly and continued to work and spend time with his family during his treatment. He died on February 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 48. His wife Kimberly and their five children were by his side. His publicist confirmed his passing in a statement.
How old was James Van Der Beek when they died?
James Van Der Beek was 48 years old at the time of death.
When did James Van Der Beek die?
James Van Der Beek died on February 14, 2026.
James Van Der Beek Biography
James William Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut. He began acting in theater as a child and made his film debut in Angus in 1995. He rose to teen idol status as Dawson Leery in the WB drama Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003, one of the defining teen shows of the late 1990s. He later reinvented himself with self-deprecating comedy in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and in the Dawson's Creek crying meme that became a cultural phenomenon. He was a devoted father of five and was known for his positivity and openness about family life.
Personal Life
Who are James Van Der Beek's parents?
James Van Der Beek Sr., Melinda Van Der Beek
Did James Van Der Beek have siblings?
Yes — Jared Van Der Beek, Juliana Van Der Beek.
Was James Van Der Beek married?
| Name | Married | Divorced |
|---|---|---|
| Heather McComb | 1999 | 2010 |
| Kimberly Brook | None | None |
Did James Van Der Beek have children?
James Van Der Beek had 5 children: Olivia Van Der Beek, Joshua Van Der Beek, Annabel Van Der Beek, Emilia Van Der Beek, Gwendolyn Van Der Beek.
What religion was James Van Der Beek?
James Van Der Beek was None stated.
What was James Van Der Beek's ethnicity?
James Van Der Beek was of Dutch, German, English heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Angus (1995)
- Varsity Blues (1999)
- Texas Rangers (2001)
- The Rules of Attraction (2002)
- Scary Movie 3 (2003)
TV Shows
- Dawson's Creek (1998–2003)
- One Tree Hill (guest, 2009)
- Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012–2013)
- CSI: Cyber (2015–2016)
- Pose (2019–2021)
Awards
- Teen Choice Award for Choice Actor Drama — Dawson's Creek
- People's Choice Award nomination
Facts About James Van Der Beek
- He publicly announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024
- He appeared on Dancing with the Stars Season 28 in 2019 while his wife suffered pregnancy complications
- He became famous for the meme of himself crying from a Dawson's Creek episode
- He played himself as a parody in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 earning strong critical praise
- He had five children with his wife Kimberly Brook and was known as a devoted family man
James Van Der Beek Quotes
"I've always been more interested in who I am off screen than on."
"Family is everything to me."
Legacy
James Van Der Beek is best remembered as Dawson Leery from Dawson's Creek, one of the defining teen dramas of the 1990s. He showed remarkable range and self-awareness in his later career, particularly in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23. His openness about his cancer diagnosis and his dedication to his family earned him widespread respect. He died far too young at 48.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-06-05