James Van Der Beek death has left fans around the world heartbroken. The beloved Dawson’s Creek star has died at the age of 48 following a long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. News of his passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from friends, colleagues, and fans everywhere, remembering the actor not only for his iconic roles but also for the warmth, kindness, and loyalty he showed in his personal life.
Designer Erin Fetherston shared one of the most heartfelt messages. In an emotional Instagram post, she revealed that while the world knew him as a television star, to her family he was simply “Uncle James.”
“Thank you for your friendship. For always showing up. For being the one who would go the extra mile,” she wrote. Fetherston reflected on major milestones in her life — both joyful and difficult — and said Van Der Beek was always there. She described it as an honor to have “a seat at your table” and to call him a best friend, promising to surround his family with love and “keep dancing” in his honor.
Following his death, friends launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to support his wife Kimberly and their children. The campaign quickly surpassed its initial $500,000 goal within just four hours and has now raised more than $1 million.
The fundraiser describes Van Der Beek as “a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him.” It also revealed the heavy financial strain the family faced during his illness, as they worked to provide him with care while managing everyday expenses. Funds raised will go toward essential living costs, bills, and supporting the children’s education.
Van Der Beek publicly announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, just over a year before his death. At the time, he remained hopeful.
“I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he shared. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
Colorectal cancer begins in the colon or rectum and is often grouped together because of shared characteristics. According to the American Cancer Society, it is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in both men and women in the United States, excluding skin cancers.
Even while facing serious illness, Van Der Beek continued to express gratitude for his loved ones. His final Instagram post, shared in January, was a touching tribute to his 12-year-old daughter Annabel and his father, who share a birthday.
“My father and my daughter share a birthday today,” he wrote. “At first, I thought that was all they shared.” As he reflected further, he recognized in both of them “the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart.” He ended the message by expressing how grateful he was to have them in his life.
Van Der Beek was only 20 years old when he began filming Dawson’s Creek in 1997. With his golden hair and expressive eyes, he quickly became a defining face of late-1990s teen television. As Dawson Leery, the poetic and sensitive lead character, he captured the hearts of a generation. When the show ended in 2003 after six seasons, fans felt they were saying goodbye to more than just a fictional character.
In the series finale, Dawson explained the meaning of a soulmate to his younger sister: “It’s like a best friend, but more. A soulmate is someone you carry with you forever.” For many viewers, Van Der Beek himself became that kind of presence — someone tied to formative years and emotional memories.
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Beyond his early fame, he later surprised audiences by taking on roles that challenged his teen heartthrob image, showing depth and range as an actor.
In his personal life, Van Der Beek found lasting love with Kimberly Brook. After divorcing his first wife in 2009, he experienced what he later described as a moment of realization during a spiritual trip to Israel — that he needed to find his soulmate to build a family. Shortly after sharing that thought with a friend, Brook entered the conversation, interrupting what he jokingly called “his moment.” The two began dating within weeks and married in Tel Aviv in 2010.
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James Van Der Beek leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond television screens — one built on devotion to family, loyalty to friends, and a sincerity that resonated deeply with audiences worldwide.