Dawson's Creek star, James Van Der Beek, dies following battle with bowel cancer
Actor James Van Der Beek has died aged 48
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek has died aged 48 following a battle with bowel cancer.
A statement released by the American actor’s family on Wednesday 11th February said he had died “peacefully”.
Van Der Beek, 48, was best known for playing the titular character in popular US teen drama Dawson’s Creek.
The family statement said: “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.”
The couple, who married in 2010, share six children.
Tributes have been pouring in for the "one in a billion" actor from his Dawson's Creek co-stars.
Busy Philipps paid tribute to her former co-star on Instagram, months after the cast reunited to help raise money for his cancer treatment.
“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today,” she wrote.
“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.
“But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children.
“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed.”
Sentiments were echoed by Kerr Smith, who starred alongside Van Der Beek for five seasons as Jack McPhee.
“I’m so grateful for being able to call James a brother,” he said on Instagram. “I’ll miss him deeply. Rest Easy.”
Celebrities, including Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ben Stiller, Selma Blair, Alec Baldwin, Melissa Joan Hart, Christie Brinkley and Rosie O’Donnell paid tribute to the Varsity Blues actor on social media.
“Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek,” Reese Witherspoon wrote on Instagram.
“What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action.”
Other famous faces we've lost this year:
Terry Yorath
Former Leeds and Wales footballer Terry Yorath sadly died at the age of 75 following a short illness in January. His family, including his daughter, TV presenter Gabby Logan, shared the sad news via a statement, which said: "To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was Dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel."
Derek Martin
Actor Derek Martin, best known for playing the iconic role of cab driver Charlie Slater in BBC soap EastEnders, sadly died at the age of 92 on 10th January 2026. Derek's agent Sharon Henry sharing a statement on behalf of his family, which read: "Derek wasn't just a dad to us he was a friend and supported us through our highs and lows. He never stopped learning, he loved meeting people and was always generous with his time. We both miss him terribly. The family ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
Trevor A Toussaint
Actor Trevor A Toussaint, best known for playing the role of Walter Deveraux on Channel 4 soap Hollyoaks, sadly died at the age of 65 in January. His rep confirmed the sad news on social media, writing: 'It is with deep sadness that we formally announce the passing of Trevor A Toussaint. His family wish to thank you for your well wishes and support as they take this time to privately come to terms with their great loss of an enigmatic, loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend."
Francis Buchholz
German bassist Francis Buchholz, best known for his two-decade tenure with Scorpions and being a member of Michael Schenker's Temple of Rock, sadly died in. January, aged 71. A post from his family said: 'It is with overwhelming sadness and heavy hearts we share the news that our beloved Francis passed away yesterday after a private battle with cancer. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by love.'
Catherine O'Hara
Home Alone and Schitt's Creek actress Catherine O'Hara sadly died at the age of 71 in January, following a brief illness. The Canadian-American comedy star was well known for playing Kevin's mum in Home Alone and Moira Rose in Schitt's Creek.
John Virgo
Snooker player and commentator John Virgo sadly died at the age of 79 in February. World Snooker Tour confirmed the sad news in a statement which read: "Everyone at World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo, aged 79. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, JV."
James Van Der Beek
Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek sadly died at the age of 48 in February, following a battle with bowel cancer. The family statement said: "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."