Farewell to a 90s Icon: James Van Der Beek Passes at 48
James Van Der Beek, forever etched in television history as Dawson Leery from Dawson’s Creek, died on February 11, 2026, after a valiant fight with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was 48.
Beyond his breakout role and memorable turn in Varsity Blues, Van Der Beek dedicated his final years to championing early cancer detection. His wife, Kimberly, shared that he endured his illness with “unwavering faith and grace.”
lywood tributes poured in:
- Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson mourned the loss of their longtime friend and co-star.
- Sarah Michelle Gellar and Jennifer Garner praised his courage and lamented the “heartbreaking loss” to the industry.
Survived by his wife and six children, Van Der Beek leaves behind a legacy defined not only by his talent but also by his openness and dignity in the face of adversity.
Would you like me to craft a shorter, punchier version of this—something headline-ready for social media—or keep it in this more formal obituary style?
0 Comments