James Van Der Beek, the “Dawson’s Creek” actor who had recently been battling colorectal cancer, has died. He was 48. Van Der Beek revealed his diagnosis in November 2024 and missed a reunion event for the show in September of last year, but his cause of death was not publicly confirmed. “Ou r beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” read a statement shared Wednesday on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page. “He met his final days with courage, faith and grace.” In addition to “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek starred in “Scary Movie,” “Varsity Blues” and “The Rules of Attraction,” but he remained best known for his breakout role in the turn of the century TV series. Katie Holmes and James Van Der Beek in "Dawson's Creek." (Getty Images) “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” the social media statement read. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.” ...read more read less