By Trendsetter Tribune 
James Van Der Beek, the definitive face of the late-90s teen drama era, died peacefully on Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026. The actor was 48 years old. His death follows a courageous public battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he first revealed in November 2024.
A Legacy Beyond the Creek
While Van Der Beek amassed over 70 credits throughout his career, he remained eternally linked to his role as the idealistic, hyper-articulate Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003). The show transformed him into a global teen icon and paved the way for the “moody teen” genre that dominates television today.
- The Icon: As Dawson, he led a cast of future stars—including Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson—through the emotional waters of adolescence in the fictional town of Capeside.
- The “Meme”: Later in life, Van Der Beek famously embraced the internet’s obsession with his “crying face” GIF from the show’s third season, often using it to poke fun at his own “heartthrob” persona.
- Versatility: He broke his “good guy” mold with his role as the rebellious Mox in the 1999 cult classic Varsity Blues, delivering the legendary line, “I don’t want your life!”
Courage in the Final Chapter
Van Der Beek’s final years were defined by his openness about his health and his commitment to his family.
- The Diagnosis: After being diagnosed in August 2023, he kept the news private for over a year before going public to raise awareness about the rising rates of colorectal cancer in adults under 50.
- Final Appearance: In September 2025, he made a poignant surprise video appearance at a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event. Though he was too ill to attend in person, his message of gratitude to his fans left the audience in tears as Lin-Manuel Miranda stood in for him during a live reading of the pilot.
- Final Roles: Even while undergoing treatment, he continued to work, appearing as a guest on The Masked Singer in 2025 and filming scenes for the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle.
Tributes and Family
His wife, Kimberly, shared the news on Instagram, noting that James met his final days with “courage, faith, and grace.”
“Edge is fleeting, but heart lasts forever. So on this morning, we pay tribute to that heart.” — Drew University President Hilary Link (from Van Der Beek’s 2024 honorary degree ceremony)
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.