James Van Der Beek's colorectal cancer battle has been no secret since 2024. Still, the news about the Dawson's Creek star's passing on Wednesday at 48 remains a profound shock to his fans and those in the film fraternity. The actor's family announced his death with a statement on Instagram, which read, “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.”
In 2023, Der Beek was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer. He maintained his privacy for a while and waited until November 2024 to disclose the details of his diagnosis.
Meanwhile, his Dawson's Creek co-stars have posted tributes for the late James Van Der Beek. Mary-Margaret Humes, who portrayed the role of Der Beek's mother in the show, shared a picture of them together and wrote, "Rarely am I at a loss for words ... today would be the exception. James, my gracious warrior, you fought a hard battle against all odds with such quiet strength and dignity,"
Busy Philipps, who portrayed Audrey Liddell, Joey Potter's (Katie Holmes) college roommate, in Dawson's Creek, wrote on Instagram, "James Van Der Beek was one in a billion, and he will be forever missed, and I don't know what else to say. I am just so sad. He was my friend, and I loved him, and I'm so grateful for our friendship all these years." Liddell shared a few behind-the-scenes stills from their show. She also urged her followers to help his family by raising funds on her Instagram story.
Chad Michael Murray, who appeared in Dawson's Creek, described Van Der Beek as "a giant". In a comment under the late actor's death announcement post, Murray wrote, "His words, art and humanity inspired all of us - he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys."
"I'm so grateful for being able to call James a brother. I'll miss him deeply. Rest easy," wrote Kerr Smith, another one of Der Beek's Dawson's Creek co-stars.
Meanwhile, Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 star Krysten Ritter shared a few photographs featuring her with Der Beek on her Instagram stories, writing, "Really hard news today. Beautiful human inside and out. Smart, funny, empathetic, kind, talented and just pure magic – I’m so grateful for our friendship and so heartbroken. All my love goes out to his amazing wife, Kimberly and their children. Love you so much, James and fake James."