James Van Der Beek Dies at 48: Cancer Battle, Family, Tributes

The actor who made Dawson Leery a household name, James Van Der Beek, has died at 48. His family confirmed he passed away peacefully after battling colorectal cancer.

Full Name: James David Van Der Beek ·
Born: March 8, 1977 ·
Died: 2026 (age 48) ·
Cause of Death: Colorectal cancer ·
Children: 6 ·
Known for: Dawson Leery in ‘Dawson’s Creek’

Nine key facts about James Van Der Beek, from birth to his final role as a father of six.

How did James Van Der Beek know he had cancer?

James Van Der Beek first shared his diagnosis publicly in November 2024, according to CBS News (established news outlet). He had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer, a disease that kills more than 50,000 Americans each year. An Instagram reel from a media account claimed he shared in August 2023 that he had stage 3 colorectal cancer, though this detail has not been independently confirmed.

What type of cancer did James Van Der Beek have?

Multiple sources confirm he had colorectal cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance (patient advocacy group) stated it was “deeply saddened by Van Der Beek’s passing at age 48 following his battle with colorectal cancer.” This is the same cancer that claimed the lives of actors like Chadwick Boseman and Kirstie Alley.

The implication: While the exact date of diagnosis remains unconfirmed, the public timeline suggests Van Der Beek lived with colorectal cancer for roughly two to three years — long enough to raise awareness but not long enough to beat the disease.

How many children does James Van Der Beek have?

James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly had six children. A Facebook post from InspireMore (media page) claimed he “left behind his wife Kimberly and their six children.” Another Facebook video post from RG3 (public figure page) also stated he was a “father to 6 kids.” The children’s names and ages have not been made public.

The pattern: Van Der Beek kept his children largely out of the spotlight, a privacy that the family is now leaning into by asking for “peaceful privacy” during their grief.

What did Joshua Jackson say about James Van Der Beek dying?

Joshua Jackson, Van Der Beek’s longtime “Dawson’s Creek” costar and friend, reacted publicly to the death. While the exact text of Jackson’s statement has not been published in major outlets, a Facebook video from RG3 (sports commentator) acknowledged the tribute, and the Colorectal Cancer Alliance (cancer support organization) noted that the loss was felt by the entire entertainment community.

Did Joshua Jackson release a statement?

As of press time, no formal statement from Joshua Jackson has been published on his verified social media or through a press release. However, multiple fan accounts and social media posts reference a tribute. The Instagram reel that remembered Van Der Beek after his death on February 11 also mentioned Jackson’s reaction. The absence of a verified statement keeps this in the realm of “reportedly” — a common pattern when celebrities process grief privately.

Why this matters: Jackson and Van Der Beek shared a decades-long friendship that began on the set of “Dawson’s Creek.” Any public words from Jackson would carry weight for fans of the show, but the family’s request for privacy may explain the silence.

Who was James Van Der Beek’s first wife?

James Van Der Beek’s first wife was Heather McComb, an actress. The two married in 2001, according to CBS News. They divorced in 2006. Van Der Beek later married Kimberly, who was his wife at the time of his death.

How long were they married?

The marriage to Heather McComb lasted about five years, from 2001 to 2006. The exact date of the divorce is not publicly recorded.

Did James Van Der Beek have any other marriages?

After his divorce from McComb, Van Der Beek married Kimberly. The date of their wedding has not been widely reported, but Kimberly was his wife at the time of his death and is the mother of his six children.

The trade-off: Van Der Beek’s first marriage ended relatively quickly, but his second marriage appeared stable and lasted well over a decade, producing a large family that he clearly prioritized.

What type of cancer did James Van Der Beek have?

All credible sources agree that James Van Der Beek had colorectal cancer. The Colorectal Cancer Alliance (leading nonprofit) confirmed that he died from the disease. CBS News reported that his death was announced by his family, who did not share the cause of death publicly but the Alliance’s statement clarifies the cause.

How long did he battle cancer?

He announced his diagnosis in November 2024, according to CBS News. Some unverified social media posts claim he was diagnosed as early as August 2023. If accurate, that means a battle of around two and a half years. The Instagram reel that cited the earlier date is a tier-3 source, so the timeline remains uncertain.

For anyone facing a similar diagnosis, Van Der Beek’s story underscores the importance of regular screenings — especially for adults under 50, a group where colorectal cancer rates have been rising.

The sudden death of James Van Der Beek at 48 leaves a void for his six children, his wife Kimberly, and a generation of fans who grew up watching him on screen. For the colorectal cancer community, his public battle — however private in its details — brought much-needed attention to a disease that too often goes undetected in younger adults. The choice to share his diagnosis in 2024 may have been his final, most meaningful performance.