Not much time has passed since the year began, but we have already lost beloved stars. Unfortunately, the world just lost another one. TMZ has reported that actor James Van Der Beek has passed away at the age of 48. This devastating news comes after the actor’s fight against stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was first diagnosed with it in 2024.
James Van Der Beek is mostly known for his role in Dawson’s Creek where he played the titular character. Other notable roles the actor played include Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.
His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, also announced the news on Instagram where she heartfully wrote, “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.” Kimberly and Van Der Beek share six kids together. Our hearts are with his family and loved ones.
People Reacting to James Van Der Beek Passing Away
The passing of James Van Der Beek came as shocking news to fans who didn’t expect this. Due to his young age, one fan couldn’t help but write, “How sad. He had so much to live for. His poor children and wife.” Another person shared the one time they saw Van Der Beek in real life. “That’s sad to hear. I was on a flight with him from Dallas to Vancouver. I just remember my wife and I sitting there and seeing him walking by while we were seated and then turned around to see him helping this elderly couple get their baggage up into the bins. He seemed so polite. He even grabbed them for them after we landed. RIP,” they wrote.
Someone else believed that the actor might have predicted this as they said, “He was recently selling off memorabilia and looking quite frail. Seems he knew he wasn’t going to be around much longer. RIP, he seemed like an alright dude.” More people expressed their heartbreak as many expressed their thoughts about the brutality of cancer. “Whoa. [Expletive] cancer. His family must be devastated,” one person wrote in shock. Another person said, “Awful news. [Expletive] cancer. Rest in peace James.” One fan had to advise people on their health as they said, “Get those colonoscopies, folks. Could save your life.” One Redditor agreed and said, “If you’re in this age range you need to insist on colon screenings. There’s such an insane spike in the young. Please be proactive in this for your own sake.” This is definitely heartbreaking.
