James Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, has died at age 48, his family announced. They shared that he passed peacefully after privately battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. Surrounded by loved ones, he faced his final days with courage and grace.

In their statement, the family asked for privacy as they mourn a devoted husband, father of six, son, brother, and friend. Though he was a defining face of late-1990s television, those closest to him say his greatest pride in recent years was his role as a husband and father.

Van Der Beek revealed his cancer diagnosis in late 2024 after beginning treatment. At the time, he encouraged others to pay attention to early health warning signs. His illness later explained his absence from many public appearances.