Teen icons, like Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, can blossom from overnight stardom into well-rounded talents. It’s not always an easy road, but knowing when to play it serious and when to have fun is always important. Rising to fame as the soap opera anchoring cinephile Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek truly found a way to walk that line in a most entertaining way; which is part of why we mourn his death today – at the age of 48. 

The announcement was shared by his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek, through a heartfelt post on Instagram; which included this message:

Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.

Confirming the story’s validity, TMZ reported that the legendary ‘90s teen icons death was reported to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office early this morning. No official cause of death was revealed, but James Van Der Beek was fighting stage 3 colorectal cancer; after being diagnosed in 2024.

The Varsity Blues star is survived by his second wife Kimberly, and their six children, as well as his ex-wife Heather McComb. Alongside that family legacy comes a slew of roles that helped James Van Der Beek move on from being the boy next door, while also having fun as himself.

What’s possibly his best remembered role outside of The Creek is that of Varsity Blues’ Jonathan Moxon. Also known as “Mox,” the varsity quarterback of the West Canaan Coyotes, Van Der Beek’s role in one of the best football movies made a quick start towards securing his post-Dawson’s Creek career.

Years down the line, he sent himself up in ABC’s underrated sitcom Don’t Trust The B In Apartment 23; as well as worked the reality TV circuit through spots on Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer. Were it not for his declining health, Van Der Beek would have been able to participate in last year’s Dawson’s Creek reunion table read; meant to raise funds for his medical care.

Throughout his life, James Van Der Beek seemed to hold his career, and his starmaking role, in great reverence. At the same time, he didn’t fall into the post-heartthrob slump some actors find themselves in when their big hit ends. A resilient man to the very end, Van Der Beek’s presence will be truly missed by his fans; along with those who truly knew him best.

We here at That Hashtag Show send our deepest condolences to James’ family and friends, as they navigate this time of mourning and remembrance. His final project, Prime Video’s upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, is set to debut this summer – on July 1st.

RIP.