James Van Der Beek, the actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the teen drama “Dawson’s Creek,” has died at the age of 48. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed his passing on Instagram, noting that he faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace, and asked for privacy for the family as they grieve.

In November 2024, Van Der Beek had revealed he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He had been undergoing treatment privately while focusing on his health and spending time with his family, often updating fans on his journey and expressing gratitude for their support.

Van Der Beek became a teen idol through “Dawson’s Creek,” which aired from 1998 to 2003 and also starred Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson. He later starred in films such as “Varsity Blues” (1999), “Scary Movie” (2000), and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” (2001), and appeared in numerous television shows including “Criminal Minds,” “Ugly Betty,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “CSI: Cyber.”

Born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek began acting as a child and made his professional debut in an off-Broadway play. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children, and is remembered for his contributions to television and film, as well as his openness about his health struggles.