Best Varsity Blues Star James Van Der Beek Dies Suddenly

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James Van Der Beek’s , best known for his iconic roles in”Dawson’s Creek” and Varsity Blues, has died at the age of 48 following a courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. The beloved actor passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, surrounded by family.

A statement shared on Van Der Beek’s official Instagram account confirmed the heartbreaking news.

“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.”

The announcement triggered an outpouring of grief from fans, friends and fellow actors across Hollywood.

A Brave Battle With Cancer

“Dawson’s Creek” star, James Van Der Beek, died on February 11 following a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48. (Casey Flanigan)

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 but publicly revealed his diagnosis in November 2024.

“I have colorectal cancer,” he told People at the time. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.” Despite the severity of the illness, he expressed optimism. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

On Instagram, he reflected deeply on the diagnosis:

“‘It is cancer…’ Each year, approximately 2 billion people around the world receive this diagnosis. And I’m one of them.”

Throughout his fight, Van Der Beek remained open about gratitude, faith and resilience — qualities his wife later said defined his final days.

GoFundMe Launched to Support Family

In 2020, the actor and his wife, Kimberly – along with their six children – relocated their family from Los Angeles to Texas. (James Van Der Beek Instagram)

Following the news of his death, close friends launched a GoFundMe campaign titled “Support for James Van Der Beek’s Family” to help his wife Kimberly and their six children.

The fundraiser stated:

“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away leaving behind his devoted wife and their six wonderful children.”

The page explained that the family faced not only emotional hardship but also significant financial strain due to mounting medical expenses.

“Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the statement read. “The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds.”

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than $400,000 had been raised to help cover living expenses, bills and the children’s education.

Van Der Beek had previously sold memorabilia from his colorectal cancer to help pay for treatment, raising over $47,000 through an auction that included the famous necklace Dawson gave Joey in Season 3 of Dawson’s Creek.

Actor Paul Walter Hauser also raised over $14,000 on Cameo to assist the family. JAMES VAN DER BEEK MAKES SURPRISE APPEARANCE AFTER MISSING ‘DAWSON’S CREEK’ REUNION AMID ONGOING HEALTH ISSUES

Tributes From Hollywood and Beyond

Following news of his death, tributes from across the entertainment industry highlighted the profound respect colleagues held for him. Fellow actors described him as kind, grounded, generous, and deeply devoted to his family.

Busy Philipps, his Dawson’s Creek co-star, referred to him as “one in a billion,” emphasizing not only his talent but his character. Actor Paul Walter Hauser, who had been raising funds to support Van Der Beek during his illness, praised him as “one of the good guys.”

The wave of tributes extended beyond Hollywood. Fans shared memories of how his performances shaped their teenage years, calling him a defining face of late-1990s television. For many, his characters represented hope, sensitivity and youthful ambition.

A Lasting Legacy

James Van Der Beek leaves behind a legacy that goes beyond television ratings and box office numbers. He is remembered as a devoted husband to Kimberly and a loving father to their six children. Those closest to him describe a man deeply committed to family life, faith and personal growth.

His battle with cancer, fought with dignity and openness, has also drawn attention to colorectal cancer awareness and the importance of early screening. In sharing his diagnosis publicly, he contributed to breaking stigma and encouraging conversation about men’s health.

While the entertainment world mourns the loss of a recognizable star, his family mourns a husband and father whose presence shaped their everyday lives. His story is one of talent, resilience, love and courage in the face of unimaginable adversity. JAMES VAN DER BEEK MISTOOK CANCER SYMPTOMS FOR PROBLEMS WITH HIS DIET

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available statements, official social media posts, verified fundraising pages, and reports from reputable media sources at the time of publication. Information regarding medical details, financial matters, and family statements has been referenced from official announcements and verified communications.

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