But his career did not stop there.
He went on to appear in films including Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction, showing range beyond his breakout role. On television, he took on comedic and dramatic parts alike, even poking fun at his own teen-idol image in later projects.
In recent years, he balanced acting with family life, often sharing glimpses of rural living and parenting on social media. His posts frequently centered on gratitude — for fatherhood, for marriage, for the small moments that anchor daily life.
Friends say that even as his health declined, he remained deeply present with his children. Public appearances became rarer, but when he did speak about his diagnosis, he emphasized perspective over fear.
“This journey has taught me what matters,” he said in one interview. “Not the headlines. Not the career milestones. The people you love.”
Tributes from former co-stars and colleagues poured in within hours of the news breaking. Many described him as thoughtful, grounded, and generous with both his time and advice. Fans across social media shared clips from Dawson’s Creek, remembering the character who once narrated their own teenage heartbreaks.
Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common cancers diagnosed in adults, and Van Der Beek’s openness about screening resonated widely. Health experts continue to encourage early testing, especially as diagnoses among younger adults have increased in recent years.
Those who followed his final public posts noted a shift in tone — reflective, sometimes heavy, but also hopeful. In one of his last messages, he thanked supporters for their prayers and spoke about finding peace even amid uncertainty.
James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. In her statement, she described him as a devoted father whose greatest pride was his family.
For many, the news feels surreal. The boy who once stood on a dock dreaming of filmmaking grew into a man who faced illness with quiet resolve. His career spanned decades, but his most important role, those closest to him say, was at home.
He was 48.
