Teen drama icon James Van Der Beek dies at 48

Fans worldwide are mourning the loss of Hollywood heartthrob James Van Der Beek, the actor who shot to fame as the emotional and charming Dawson Leery in the hit coming of age television series Dawson's Creek. He was 48.

In a statement posted on Instagram on Wednesday, Van Der Beek's family confirmed that the actor died peacefully earlier in the day.

"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," the statement read.

"For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Van Der Beek rose to international fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as the lead character in Dawson's Creek, a popular teen drama that helped define a generation of television viewers. Over the years, he also earned praise for his ability to poke fun at his own leading man image in various projects.

In 2024, the actor revealed that he had been undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer, a diagnosis that shocked many of his supporters.

Despite his illness, Van Der Beek made a surprise virtual appearance in September during a Dawson's Creek reunion charity event in New York. The event, which included a live reading of the show's pilot episode at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, raised funds for F Cancer and initiatives supporting the actor.

Unable to attend in person, Van Der Beek appeared via video, while actor Lin-Manuel Miranda stood in for him on stage.

"Thank you to every single person here," Van Der Beek told supporters during the emotional moment.

Van Der Beek leaves behind a legacy as one of television's most recognisable faces from the early 2000s, as well as a devoted family and loyal fan base who grew up watching his journey on screen.

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