Entertainment World Mourns the Loss of James Van Der Beek at 48
The entertainment industry has been deeply shaken by the untimely passing of James Van Der Beek, the actor best remembered for his iconic role as Dawson Leery in the beloved 1990s television series 'Dawson's Creek'. Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48, following a prolonged and public struggle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His death has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, friends, and colleagues across the globe.
Paula Cole's Heartfelt Social Media Tribute
Paula Cole, the singer whose song 'I Don't Want to Wait' became forever synonymous with 'Dawson's Creek' as its theme song, recently honored the late star through a poignant Instagram post. In her tribute, Cole described James Van Der Beek as "a wise, loving, and gentle soul" and expressed profound sorrow over his loss.
"I'm grieving for the loss of such a beautiful person in our world, such a father to his family and husband to @vanderkimberly," Cole wrote, accompanying her message with touching photographs of Van Der Beek with his children.
For those unfamiliar with the connection, Paula Cole recorded the show's memorable theme song before 'Dawson's Creek' premiered in January 1998. Years later, in September 2025, the cast reunited in New York City for a fundraising event supporting the F Cancer organization and James Van Der Beek himself, who was courageously continuing his fight against the disease at that time.
Cole's Personal Circumstances and Continued Support
Cole revealed that she was unable to attend the New York fundraising event due to personal family commitments. "I wish I could have attended the fundraising event in NYC in the Fall, and to have met up with so many of the @dawsonscreek_official family, but my Mom has been in hospice," she shared in her post. "Please know I am here in shared sadness and love for his family."
In her tribute, Cole also encouraged fans to continue supporting the GoFundMe campaign established for the Van Der Beek family during this incredibly difficult period, highlighting the ongoing financial and emotional challenges they face.
James Van Der Beek: A Career and Legacy Remembered
James Van Der Beek truly cemented his place in pop culture history through his portrayal of Dawson Leery—a character celebrated for being earnest, slightly awkward, and deeply relatable. 'Dawson's Creek' left an indelible mark on audiences and defined a generation of television viewers.
Following the success of 'Dawson's Creek,' Van Der Beek diversified his career with a range of roles, from his performance in the film 'Varsity Blues' to his self-parodying turn in the television series 'Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.' His versatility and willingness to explore different genres showcased his depth as an actor.
The Courageous Battle Against Cancer
In August 2023, James Van Der Beek received the devastating diagnosis of stage 3 colorectal cancer. He initially kept his condition private but bravely disclosed it to the public in November 2024. Throughout his arduous journey, Van Der Beek openly shared his experiences, demonstrating remarkable resilience as he pursued every available treatment option.
In a final effort to manage the overwhelming medical expenses, Van Der Beek auctioned off cherished memorabilia from 'Dawson's Creek' and 'Varsity Blues' in late 2025. This move underscored the severe financial strain often associated with prolonged medical care, even for well-known public figures.
Final Moments and Family Announcement
The actor's passing was confirmed by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, who shared the heartbreaking news. According to reports from People magazine, she stated that James, described as a "loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," passed away peacefully while surrounded by his family at their home.
James Van Der Beek's legacy extends far beyond his on-screen roles. He is remembered not only as a talented actor but also as a devoted family man and a courageous individual who faced his illness with grace and transparency. His story continues to inspire and resonate with countless fans worldwide.
