The entertainment world is in shock following the heartbreaking news that James Van Der Beek, star of Dawson’s Creek, has passed away at just 48. The actor lost his nearly three-year battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, leaving behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
Van Der Beek’s family shared a heartfelt statement on Instagram:
“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.”
A Warning He Couldn’t Ignore
The actor had been open about his health journey, determined to raise awareness about colorectal cancer, especially in younger adults who often think they’re not at risk. His first warning sign was subtle — a persistent change in bowel habits — something he initially brushed off.
“I thought maybe I needed to stop coffee. Or maybe not put cream in the coffee,” Van Der Beek told People. “But when I cut that out and it didn’t improve, I thought, ‘All right, I better get this checked out.’”
James Van der Beek arrives at the 71st Emmy Awards at Microsoft Theater on September 22, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images)
Even after a colonoscopy, he felt healthy. He had no family history of the disease, exercised regularly, and ate well. But the news was devastating: stage 3 colorectal cancer.
“I felt really good coming out of anesthesia… Then the gastroenterologist said – in his most pleasant bedside manner – that it was cancer. I think I went into shock,” he recalled.
Van Der Beek’s diagnosis shattered his assumptions. “I’d always associated cancer with age and with unhealthy, sedentary lifestyles. But I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. I tried to eat healthy — or as far as I knew it at the time,” he admitted.
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