Dawson's Creek co-stars pay tribute after death of "giant" James Van Der Beek, aged 48
The actor rose to fame in 1988 as the titular Dawson Leery on the hit show Dawson’s Creek.
Dawson's Creek co-stars have led tributes to James Van Der Beek following the actor’s death at 48.
The news of the actor’s passing was confirmed in a statement by his family, who said he "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace".
Van Der Beek revealed in 2024 that he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.
The statement read: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning."
It continued: "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."
The actor rose to fame in 1988 as the titular Dawson Leery on the hit show Dawson’s Creek, which ran until 2003.
He also appeared in the coming-of-age football drama Varsity Blues, and guest-starred in series such as Criminal Minds, How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, One Tree Hill, Medium and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
On the big screen, he starred in Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back, The Rules of Attraction and Texas Rangers.
More recently, Van Der Beek appeared in recurring roles on Pose and CSI: Cyber, and was a celebrity dancer on Dancing With the Stars season 8. In 2025, he appeared as Griffin on The Masked Singer.
Katie Homes, who starred opposite Van Der Beek for the duration of Dawson’s Creek, paid tribute to the actor following the tragic news of his passing.
In a hand-written note on Instagram, she remembered the star for his "bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength".
She continued: "An appreciation for the life and the action taken to live life with the integrity that life is art - creating a beautiful marriage, six loving children - the journey of a Hero."
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Busy Phillips also paid tribute to her former co-star, writing on Instagram: "James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and I don't know what else to say. I am just so so sad."
Chad Michael Murray, who starred in Dawson's Creek, described the late actor as a "giant".
"His words, art and humanity inspired all of us - he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys," he wrote in the comments of the family's Instagram post announcing his passing.
Kerr Smith, who starred alongside Van Der Beek for five seasons as Jack McPhee, also wrote in the comments: "I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I’ll miss him deeply. Rest Easy."
Fans will also be able to see Van Der Beek in his two final roles.
The actor is set to appear in the upcoming Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios show Elle, a prequel to the movie Legally Blonde, as Dean Wilson, the city’s new mayoral candidate and current school district superintendent.
The actor also had a role in the feature The Gates, a John Burr-directed thriller from Lionsgate Premiere, the studio’s speciality arm, which is set to premiere in cinemas in March.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their four daughters and two sons.
A GoFundMe page set up to help with his family’s living expenses has raised more than $1.2million and counting.
A message on the page says: "James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him.
It adds: "In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future.
"The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds."
Authors
Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.
