James Van Der Beek, 'Dawson's Creek' Star and Austin Resident, Dies

FILE - James Van Der Beek attends the FOX Winter Press Day in Los Angeles on Nov. 18, 2024. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP, File)
Richard Shotwell/Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

James Van Der Beek, the star of "Dawson's Creek" who called the rolling acreage of Central Texas home, died on Wednesday according to a post made to his social media accounts.

Best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery on the WB drama "Dawson's Creek," Van Der Beek became one of the defining faces of late-1990s teen television. The series, which ran from 1998 to 2003, helped launch the careers of several young actors and cemented his place in pop culture.

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," the post read. "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."

In the years that followed, Van Der Beek moved between film and television, starring as a small-town quarterback in "Varsity Blues" and later embracing self-parody in ABC’s "Don't Trust the (expletive) in Apartment 23," where he played himself.

Chad Michael Murray, who appeared alongside Van Der Beek during the height of the WB era, wrote under the post: "Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us — he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you."

A GoFundMe campaign launched following his death described Van Der Beek as "a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him." It said he died after a "long and courageous battle with cancer," leaving behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

According to the fundraiser, the family faced significant financial strain during his illness as they sought treatment and care. The campaign notes that the costs of medical care and extended treatment left the family financially depleted.

More recently, Van Der Beek has been part of projects filmed in Texas, including appearances connected to the Austin-based production of Walker. His relocation to the Hill Country in 2020 drew attention at a time when a wave of entertainment figures and tech executives were moving to the state, citing lifestyle changes and economic factors.

Van Der Beek has publicly described the move as an effort to prioritize family life and distance from the pace of Los Angeles.

Tributes quickly poured in from former co-stars and friends.