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James Van Der Beek, the American actor cherished for his role as Dawson Leery in the beloved teen drama series “Dawson’s Creek,” has passed away at the age of 48. His passing was announced by his family, who shared that he died peacefully on a Thursday morning.
Van Der Beek had been battling colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he revealed to the public in 2024 after being diagnosed the previous year. Despite his illness, he faced his final days with remarkable courage and grace, according to his loved ones.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” read a heartfelt statement from his family. “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.”
Born in March 1977 in Connecticut, Van Der Beek rose to fame with “Dawson’s Creek,” which debuted in 1998. His portrayal of Dawson Leery, an introspective and earnest teenager navigating the complexities of growing up, resonated deeply with audiences until the series concluded in 2003.
Born in March 1977 in Connecticut, Van Der Beek got his big break with Dawson’s Creek, a teen drama that premiered in 1998. Van Der Beek played the eponymous character, an introspective teenager, until the show’s finale in 2003.
In addition to his role in Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek also appeared in the series Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber and Pose.
His film credits included 1999’s Varsity Blues and 2002’s The Rules of Attraction.
Van Der Beek married his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek in 2010. The couple had six children together.
This is a developing story and this article will be updated.
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