James Van Der Beek, Star of ‘Dawson’s Creek’, Has Passed Away

It is with deep sadness that Dread has learned of the passing of actor James Van Der Beek. Via Variety, he had been battling colorectal cancer diagnosed in 2023. Van Der Beek was just 48 years old.

The actor made his claim to fame as Dawson on the hit series, “Dawson’s Creek“. Created by Scream scribe, Kevin Williamson, the show ran for six seasons on The WB. He also appeared in numerous television series and films such as Varsity Blues, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, “One Tree Hill” and “CSI: Cyber”.

Genre fans may have recognized Van Der Beek in the 2020 direct-to-Hulu horror film, Bad Hair. He was also in genre titles like Scary Movie and The Plague (2006). He even picked up an MTV Movie Award for his scene-stealing moment in Scary Movie.

Said Van Der Beek’s family in an IG post, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.”

Part of what makes his passing even more tragic beyond his age is the fact that, as many do in America, Van Der Beek was struggling to pay for his treatment. The cast of “Dawson’s Creek” even reunited in September for a New York benefit to raise money for their friend and co-star. No one should have the added burden of crippling debt when dealing with such a devastating disease. No one.

Our hearts go out to Van Der Beek’s family, including his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.