James Van Der Beek, 'Dawson's Creek' Star, Dies at 48

The actor, who played the title role in the popular 1990s teen drama, passed away from colorectal cancer.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit 1990s TV series "Dawson's Creek", has died at the age of 48 from colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek rose to fame playing the sensitive, aspiring filmmaker at the center of the popular teen drama, which ran for six seasons on The WB network. Though initially the show's protagonist, Dawson later became more of an antagonist as the chemistry between his on-screen best friend Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and love interest Joey (Katie Holmes) captivated viewers. Van Der Beek had a healthy post-"Dawson's Creek" career, appearing in shows like "Pose" and "Room 104", as well as genially spoofing his own image. He disclosed his cancer diagnosis in 2024 and sadly passed away in February 2026.

Why it matters

Van Der Beek's death is a major loss for fans of "Dawson's Creek" and the broader entertainment industry. The show was a landmark teen drama that helped define a generation, and Van Der Beek's portrayal of the title character was central to its success. His passing at a relatively young age from a serious illness also highlights the continued need for advancements in cancer research and treatment.

The details

Van Der Beek rose to fame playing Dawson Leery, the sensitive, aspiring filmmaker at the center of the popular 1990s teen drama "Dawson's Creek". Though initially the show's protagonist, Dawson later became more of an antagonist as the chemistry between his on-screen best friend Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and love interest Joey (Katie Holmes) captivated viewers. Van Der Beek had a healthy post-"Dawson's Creek" career, appearing in prestigious productions like "Pose" and "Room 104", as well as genially spoofing his own image in Funny Or Die shorts and the TV series "Don't Trust The B In Apartment 23".

  • Van Der Beek disclosed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024.
  • In the fall of 2025, a staged reading on Broadway of the "Dawson's Creek" pilot script was convened to raise money for F Cancer, but Van Der Beek was too ill to attend in person.
  • In November 2025, Van Der Beek auctioned off memorabilia from "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues" to help cover his medical expenses.
  • In December 2025, Van Der Beek told NBC's "Today" show that he felt "much better than [he] did a couple months ago".
  • Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026 at the age of 48.

The players

James Van Der Beek

The actor best known for playing the title role of Dawson Leery on the popular 1990s teen drama "Dawson's Creek". He had a successful post-"Creek" career but sadly passed away from colorectal cancer at the age of 48.

Joshua Jackson

Van Der Beek's co-star on "Dawson's Creek", playing the role of Pacey, Dawson's best friend and love interest of Joey (Katie Holmes).

Katie Holmes

Van Der Beek's co-star on "Dawson's Creek", playing the role of Joey, Dawson's love interest who develops feelings for his best friend Pacey (Joshua Jackson).

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What they’re saying

“Van Der Beek had a healthy post-Creek career, popping up in prestigious productions like Pose and Room 104, and genially spoofing himself in a series of Funny Or Die shorts and Don't Trust The B In Apartment 23.”

— Tara Ariano, Co-founder of Television Without Pity, Fametracker, and Previously.TV (decider.com)

“He thanked his Creek mom, Mary-Margaret Humes, for having sent him cookies for every birthday since his own mother's death; he seemed like a happy and loving dad to his six beautiful kids.”

— Tara Ariano, Co-founder of Television Without Pity, Fametracker, and Previously.TV (decider.com)

What’s next

The staged reading of the "Dawson's Creek" pilot on Broadway that was planned to raise money for cancer research will likely proceed as a tribute to Van Der Beek, though his absence will be deeply felt.

The takeaway

James Van Der Beek's passing is a major loss for fans of "Dawson's Creek" and the entertainment industry as a whole. Though his later years were marked by some controversial views, he remained beloved by many for his iconic portrayal of the sensitive, aspiring filmmaker at the heart of the beloved 90s teen drama. His death at a relatively young age from colorectal cancer also underscores the continued need for advancements in cancer research and treatment.