Actor James Van Der Beek, who was best known for his portrayal of Dawson Leary on the teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died after a battle with cancer. He was 48. Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, confirmed news of his passing via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote. “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.”
Celebrities flocked to the comments section to mourn Van Der Beek and share their condolences. “Anyone who had the privilege of knowing you is forever changed by you. Your depth, your presence, your unparalleled love for your family. The connection you and Kimberly have that transcends lifetimes,” Twilight actress Nikki Reed wrote in a heartfelt tribute. “You still hold the prize for wisest person I’ve ever known. Every piece of advice, every nugget of life experience you shared was a treasure I’ll hold close forever. And don’t even get me started on the gift you had with words. When you picked up your pen, you made all of us remember what tenderness feels like on a page. Oh James, you are so so so deeply loved. And so so deeply missed.”
Bruce Willis’ daughter Rumer Willis commented that she was “so lucky to have had” Van Der Beek in her life. “James set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother (to me). I am so grateful to have witnessed your love and respect and care for each other,” she continued. “Sending all the love and light to you all.”
Sopranos alum Jamie-Lynn Sigler wrote, “We are the luckiest to have been part of his tribe. Fly high James. You were everything good in this world.”
One Tree Hill star Chad Michael Murray chimed in: “Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us — he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar also commented, writing, “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F–k cancer.”
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023. He spoke publicly about his cancer battle for the first time in November 2024.
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told People at the time.
In November 2025, Van Der Beek began auctioning off items from Dawson’s Creek and his 1998 film Varsity Blues to help pay for his cancer treatment.
Van Der Beek is survived by Kimberly, whom he married in 2010, and their six children: daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 7, and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4. The actor’s last Instagram post was a birthday tribute to Annabel and his father.
“You are marvels … and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life. The world is a better place because the two of you are in it,” he wrote. “Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart.”
Van Der Beek’s wife set up a GoFundMe to help her and her children stay afloat in the wake of Van Der Beek’s death. “Your generosity will help cover essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives,” the description reads.
-by Sara Donnellan
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