Dawson's Creek Stars Mourn James Van Der Beek After His Death

The actor, known for playing the show's titular character, died at 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit WB teen drama Dawson's Creek, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. His family shared the news on his official Instagram page, and his former co-stars from the show, including Katie Holmes, Mary-Margaret Humes, and Busy Philipps, have paid tribute to the beloved actor.

Why it matters

Van Der Beek's portrayal of Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek was a defining role that helped shape a generation of television viewers. His death at a relatively young age has sparked an outpouring of grief and remembrance from his former co-stars and the wider entertainment community.

The details

Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. His former Dawson's Creek co-stars have shared heartfelt tributes, with Katie Holmes writing a handwritten letter, Busy Philipps expressing her deep sadness, and Mary-Margaret Humes remembering Van Der Beek as a "gracious warrior" who fought his illness with "quiet strength and dignity." The official Dawson's Creek Instagram page also paid tribute to the actor and his iconic role.

  • Van Der Beek died on Wednesday morning.

The players

James Van Der Beek

The 48-year-old actor who was best known for playing the titular character Dawson Leery on the hit WB teen drama Dawson's Creek.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

Van Der Beek's wife, who survives him along with their six children.

Katie Holmes

An actress who starred alongside Van Der Beek on Dawson's Creek, playing the role of Joey Potter.

Busy Philipps

An actress who portrayed the character of Audrey Liddell on Dawson's Creek and was a close friend of Van Der Beek's.

Mary-Margaret Humes

An actress who played Van Der Beek's TV mother on Dawson's Creek.

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What they’re saying

“I formed some words with a heavy heart. This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James' journey. He is beloved. Kimberly, we love you and will be here always for you and your beautiful children.”

— Katie Holmes (Instagram)

“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister.”

— Busy Philipps (Social media)

“James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity. I will always love and admire you for that. Our last conversations … merely a few days ago … are forever sitting softly in my heart for safe keeping. To our extended Dawson's Creek family of friends … please be respectful of our silences at the moment as Beautiful Kimberly and family have asked for peaceful privacy for now.”

— Mary-Margaret Humes (Instagram)

What’s next

The Van Der Beek family has set up a GoFundMe page to help support Kimberly and their six children during this difficult time.

The takeaway

James Van Der Beek's passing has left a profound impact on his Dawson's Creek co-stars and the wider entertainment community, who are mourning the loss of an iconic actor and beloved friend. His legacy as Dawson Leery will continue to resonate with fans of the show for years to come.