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James Van Der Beek has enjoyed a diverse career spanning television, film, and streaming, leaving an indelible mark on a generation through his captivating performances.
As previously noted by In Touch, the 48-year-old actor passed away on Wednesday, February 11, after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. In tribute, we revisit five iconic roles that solidified the legacy of the former Dancing With the Stars contestant.
Dawson Leery – Dawson’s Creek
Van Der Beek’s major breakthrough came with his portrayal of the introspective dreamer Dawson Leery, which made him a quintessential figure in late ’90s pop culture. The teen drama, which aired for six seasons from 1998 to 2003, alongside stars like Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams, propelled him into the spotlight. His moving performance as Dawson set the emotional tone for a cultural sensation.
Jonathan “Mox” Moxon – Varsity Blues
In the 1999 football drama, Van Der Beek shone as the conflicted quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, delivering a charismatic and grounded portrayal that turned the movie into a cult favorite. His memorable line, “I don’t want your life,” became iconic, securing the film’s enduring presence in popular culture and social media memes.
Sean Bateman – The Rules of Attraction
Venturing into darker territory, Van Der Beek took on a more intricate character in a 2002 film, impressing audiences with his sharp and haunting performance in this Bret Easton Ellis adaptation. The role demonstrated his dramatic range, transcending his teen idol image.
Elijah Mundo – CSI: Cyber
Starring as hunky FBI agent Elijah Mundo from 2015 to 2016, Van Der Beek showed off his action-drama chops, bringing grit and intensity to the high-tech crime series.
Steven Morgan – Taken in Broad Daylight
In this 2009 true crime thriller, he played kidnapper Steven Morgan with chilling realism. The performance showed the breadth of his acting ability as he inhabited the unsettling character.