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What happened to James Van Der Beek?

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American actor James Van Der Beek, a star of the TV series Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003), died on February 11, 2026, at age 48. He had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2024. He was survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children. In addition to Dawson’s Creek, James Van Der Beek starred in such films as the football drama Varsity Blues (1999) and made guest appearances on numerous TV shows, including Law & Order: Criminal Intent, How I Met Your Mother, and Modern Family.