James Van Der Beek passed away at 48

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James Van Der Beek passed away at 48

Writer: Heidi Hsia

James Van Der Beek passes away after cancer battle

12 Feb - "Dawson's Creek" star James Van Der Beek has recently passed away.

The news was confirmed by the actor's family via his social media account on 11 February, writing, "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."

James Van Der Beek was most known for "Dawson's Creek"

Many took to the comments to express their sadness over the loss. Reese Witherspoon posted, "Sending all my angels to help carry him home. You and your beautiful family are in my heart."

Matthew Morrison posted, "Human, spirit, and soul. Absolute Legend."

Van Der Beek had been battling colorectal cancer since mid-2023, though his condition was only revealed to the public in late 2024.

The actor sold the necklace his character gifted to Joey Porter

Back in December last year, the actor had auctioned off memorabilia from his shows to help fund his cancer treatment. Organised by Propstore's Winter Entertainment Memorabilia Live Auction from 5 to 7 December, the sale featured items including a necklace from "Dawson's Creek" (the very one his character gave to Katie Holmes' Joey Potter), a white jumper worn on the same show, and the cleats his character Jonathan Moxon wore in "Varsity Blues," raising over USD 6,000 in total.

At the time, he had said, "I've been storing these treasures for years, waiting for the right time to do something with them, and with all of the recent unexpected twists and turns life has presented recently, it's clear that the time is now."