Actor James Van Der Beek Has Died

Actor James Van Der Beek, who rose to fame as Dawson Leery on Kevin Williamson’s The WB hit “Dawson’s Creek,” has died. He was 48.

Van Der Beek passed away earlier today after a long battle with colorectal cancer, his family confirmed the news via his social media channels.

In a statement on Instagram, his family said: “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.”

Van Der Beek’s career spanned into film, scoring a genuine hit with football drama “Varsity Blues” and the acidic black comedy “The Rules of Attraction”. Other film credits included “Downsizing,” “Harvest,” “Bad Hair,” and “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back”.

Other TV credits include a major role in “CSI: Cyber” and a fictional version of himself in “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23”. He also lent his voice to the animated Disney Channel series “Vampirina”.

The actor had been set for a recurring role as a mayoral candidate in Prime Video’s upcoming “Legally Blonde” prequel series “Elle”.

He is survived by his wife of more than 25 years, Kimberly, and their four daughters and two sons.

Source: Deadline