James Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, has died at 48. His family said he passed peacefully after a private battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Surrounded by loved ones, he faced his final days with courage and grace.

In a statement, his family asked for privacy as they mourn “a devoted husband, father of six, son, brother, and friend.” While he became a defining face of late-1990s television, those closest to him said his greatest pride was being a husband and father.

Van Der Beek revealed his diagnosis in late 2024 after beginning treatment and urged others to pay attention to early warning signs. His illness explained his absence from public events, including the long-awaited Dawson’s Creek reunion. Instead of attending in person, he sent an emotional prerecorded message thanking fans and castmates. Viewers later described it as bittersweet, noting how fragile he appeared while still speaking warmly and with humor.

In his final months, he stepped away from Hollywood to focus on family and to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. He chose to spend more time with those closest to him, keeping his struggle largely private.

Tributes from fans and colleagues have highlighted his kindness, wit, and generosity. For many, he was more than a beloved TV character — he was a thoughtful and creative presence in entertainment.

His passing marks the loss of an actor who helped shape a generation of television. Yet the openness and devotion he showed during his illness have become a meaningful part of his legacy. Many now remember him not only for his career, but for the resilience, gratitude, and love for family that defined his final chapter.