“Dawson’s Creek” fans have been left shattered following the news of US actor James Van Der Beek’s death on Wednesday at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” read a post on his Instagram page.
Van Der Beek, who was married and had six children, announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024.
Colorectal cancer develops in either the rectum or the colon.
Speaking to People Magazine last year, he revealed he had been “privately dealing with the diagnosis” and has reassured fans he is making the necessary “steps to resolve it” and is feeling optimistic.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.
“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
He rose to fame as the titular heartthrob Dawson Leery in The WB’s hit teen drama ‘Dawson’s Creek’, which aired from 1998 to 2003.
Van Der Beek has also been on “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” (2012–2013), “CSI: Cyber” (2015–2016), and “Pose” (2018). He recently appeared in the Amazon Prime TV series Overcompensating (2024).
Tributes have begun pouring in for the actor.
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