Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/james-van-der-beek-dies-at-48-dawsons-creek-stars-family-announces-his-peaceful-passing/
A Quiet Battle with Colorectal Cancer (Image Credits: S.abcnews.com)
James Van Der Beek, best remembered for his breakout role as the aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery in the cultural phenomenon “Dawson’s Creek,” passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48.[1][2]
A Quiet Battle with Colorectal Cancer
Van Der Beek faced stage 3 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he first shared publicly in November 2024 after managing it privately.[2][1] He described the ordeal as a “full-time job,” involving endless medical appointments, insurance calls, and treatment plans.[2]
Despite the challenges, he maintained optimism. “I’m going to make changes that I never would have made otherwise,” he told ABC News in December 2024, reflecting on how the illness prompted personal growth amid moments of fear.[2] His openness highlighted the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger adults. Van Der Beek chronicled parts of his journey on Instagram, expressing gratitude for support while focusing on health improvements.
Launch to Fame on ‘Dawson’s Creek’
Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek discovered acting in school plays after a football injury sidelined him.[1] He made his professional debut at 16 in an off-Broadway production of Edward Albee’s “Finding the Sun.”
His life changed with “Dawson’s Creek,” where he portrayed the earnest Dawson Leery from 1998 to 2003. The WB series, set in a fictional Massachusetts coastal town,…
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Author : Matthias Binder
Publish date : 2026-02-11 22:03:00
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