James Van Der Beek, 'Varsity Blues' Star, Dies at 48

The actor, known for his breakout role as Jonathan "Mox" Moxon, passed away following a battle with colorectal cancer.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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James Van Der Beek, the actor who rose to fame playing quarterback Jonathan "Mox" Moxon in the 1999 film Varsity Blues, has died at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek, who was actually in his early 20s while filming the movie, portrayed a high school senior headed to Brown University on a full academic scholarship, though he secretly harbored a passion for football. The article reflects on the iconic "I don't want your life!" scene between Van Der Beek's character and his father, which resonated with many young viewers at the time.

Why it matters

Van Der Beek's breakout role in Varsity Blues cemented his status as a 1990s teen idol, and the film has since become a cult classic. His passing at a relatively young age is sure to be mourned by fans who grew up with the movie and his character Mox, who embodied the struggles of balancing parental expectations and personal passions.

The details

In Varsity Blues, Van Der Beek played Jonathan "Mox" Moxon, the backup quarterback at the fictional West Canaan High School who is thrust into the starting role after the team's star player, Lance Harbor (Paul Walker), is injured. Despite his academic focus, Mox proves to have a strong arm and leads the team to a district title. The article notes that while Van Der Beek himself was not an accomplished football player, stunt quarterback Peter Gardere handled the throwing scenes.

  • Varsity Blues was released in January 1999.
  • Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2026, at the age of 48.

The players

James Van Der Beek

The actor who portrayed Jonathan "Mox" Moxon in the 1999 film Varsity Blues, and who passed away at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer.

Peter Gardere

A former University of Texas quarterback who handled the football throwing scenes for Van Der Beek in Varsity Blues, as Van Der Beek was not an accomplished football player himself.

Jonathan "Mox" Moxon

The character played by James Van Der Beek in Varsity Blues, a high school senior headed to Brown University on a full academic scholarship who secretly harbors a passion for football.

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What they’re saying

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

— Kimberly Van Der Beek, Wife of James Van Der Beek

The takeaway

James Van Der Beek's portrayal of Mox in Varsity Blues left an indelible mark on 1990s pop culture, and his passing at a young age will be deeply felt by fans who grew up with the film. The iconic "I don't want your life!" scene captured the struggles of many young people to balance parental expectations and personal passions, making Mox a relatable character for a generation.