Tributes from across Hollywood are pouring in following the death of actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama Dawson’s Creek. The actor died Wednesday, Feb. 11, after a long battle with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was 48.
Van Der Beek rose to prominence in the late 1990s as the earnest, aspiring filmmaker at the center of The WB’s cultural phenomenon. The show helped define a generation of teen television and launched multiple careers. But in the hours following news of his death, fellow actors and friends focused less on fame and more on the man behind it.
Sarah Michelle Gellar called his passing “a huge loss,” adding, “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. F— cancer.” Nikki Reed described him as a “beautiful soul,” praising his devotion to his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. “Your depth, your presence, your unparalleled love for your family,” she wrote, reflecting on what she called his wisdom and generosity.
Chad Michael Murray, who shared early 2000s teen drama fame, said Van Der Beek “inspired us to be better in all ways.” Melissa Joan Hart remembered him as her first on-screen kiss, later recalling a recent encounter where he encouraged his daughter during a televised singing competition. “Gone way too soon,” she wrote.
Other tributes came from actors including Jamie Lynn Sigler, Jennifer Garner, Candace Cameron Bure, Zoe Saldaña and Alec Baldwin, who described Van Der Beek as “a true gentleman” whose kindness stood out in an industry often defined by ego.
Beyond the outpouring of grief, his death has renewed attention on colorectal cancer, which has been rising among adults under 50, according to data from the American Cancer Society. Health experts in recent years have urged earlier screenings and greater awareness, particularly as diagnoses in younger populations increase.
Van Der Beek had spoken candidly about personal struggles and growth in recent years, sharing reflections on fatherhood, resilience and gratitude. In one widely shared video from his 48th birthday, he acknowledged a difficult year while expressing appreciation for life’s lessons — a message many fans are now revisiting.
For those who grew up watching Dawson’s Creek, his passing feels deeply personal — a reminder of both the era he helped shape and the fragility of life. As tributes continue, colleagues and fans alike are emphasizing the same sentiment: beyond the screen, James Van Der Beek was remembered as a devoted family man, thoughtful artist and genuinely kind presence.
His legacy, they say, will live on not just through television reruns, but through the lives he touched.
