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Television Icon James Van Der Beek Passes Away At Age 48
Television icon and As the World Turns alum James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.
AS THE WORLD TURNS ALUM JAMES VAN DER BEEK HAS DIED AFTER A BATTLE WITH COLORECTAL CANCER
TL;DR: Television icon and As the World Turns alum James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48. He had been battling colorectal cancer since 2023. He leaves behind his wife Kimberly and their six children.
James Van Der Beek Has Passed Away
The entertainment world lost one of its brightest stars today. As the World Turns alum and television icon James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48. He had been battling colorectal cancer since his diagnosis in August 2023.
His wife Kimberly released a statement this morning asking for privacy as the family grieves. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote. “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.”
Our deepest condolences go out to the Van Der Beek family during this difficult time.
His Daytime Roots
Before James Van Der Beek became a household name, he got his start where so many great actors have — in daytime television. In 1995, a young Van Der Beek appeared on the CBS soap As the World Turns playing Stephen Anderson, the son of Tom Wiggin’s Kirk Anderson. It was one of his very first professional acting roles, and it set the stage for what would become one of the most recognizable careers in television history.
Three years later, Van Der Beek landed the role that would define a generation. As Dawson Leery on the WB’s Dawson’s Creek, he became the face of late 1990s teen drama. The show ran for six seasons and launched the careers of Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams — all of whom remained close friends throughout the years.
A Career That Touched Generations
Van Der Beek’s career extended far beyond Dawson Leery. He starred in the beloved 1999 football film Varsity Bluesand later showcased his comedic talents playing a fictionalized version of himself on ABC’s Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. He appeared in series including Friends With Better Lives, CSI: Cyber, and Ryan Murphy’s groundbreaking Pose.
Fans will have the opportunity to see Van Der Beek one final time when Elle, the Legally Blonde prequel series, premieres on Amazon Prime in July 2026. He plays Dean Wilson in the upcoming show.
His Cancer Battle
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023. He kept his diagnosis private for over a year before going public in November 2024. In an interview with People, he explained why he waited. “Telling people required a lot of energy,” he said. “I’m an empath. I like to take care of everybody. I’m a provider. And so to have to tell people and my father and my siblings and my kids, it was really tricky.”
In September 2025, his Dawson’s Creek castmates reunited for a staged reading of the pilot episode in New York City. Proceeds went to the charity F Cancer and to Van Der Beek himself. Though he was unable to attend due to his health, Lin-Manuel Miranda stepped in to read his part — a testament to the love and respect the entertainment community had for him.
The Family He Leaves Behind
James Van Der Beek married Kimberly Brook on August 1, 2010. Together they had six children: Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua, and Jeremiah.
Our thoughts are with his wife, his children, and everyone who knew and loved him. Rest in peace, James.
If you would like to share your memories of James Van Der Beek, please leave a comment below.
