Actor James Van Der Beek died Wednesday after a battle with colorectal cancer, his wife posted on social media.
Van Der Beek became a heartthrob by starring in the film “Varsity Blues” and the teenage coming-of-age drama “Dawson’s Creek” in the 1990s, according to his IMDB page. He also starred in numerous other projects, including “CSI: Cyber” and “Don’t Trust The B—- In Apartment 23.”
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the post on his official Instagram page said. “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.”
He was 48 and had six children with his wife, Kimberly, when he died.
The “Dawson’s Creek” star announced his diagnosis in a November 2024 interview with People magazine. He appeared in a December 2024 special titled “The Real Full Monty” to raise awareness for prostate, testicular and colorectal cancer.
“I have colorectal cancer,” he told People. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.
Van Der Beek made his final appearance on Dec. 19, doing an interview with Craig Melvin on “Today.”
“It’s been a longer journey than I ever thought it would be,” Van Der Beek told Melvin after he missed a “Dawson’s Creek” reunion. “It’s required more of me — more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong — I didn’t know I was this strong. But I feel good.”
In a May 30, 2023, Instagram post, Van Der Beek criticized the Democratic National Committee for not having a debate that referenced the declining heath of both former President Joe Biden and former Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California.
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