Star of Dawson's Creek, James Van Der Beek, dies at his ranch in Texas

Relocated to Texas from Los Angeles in 2020 to be closer to nature

Actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his starring role in the US teen drama Dawson’s Creek, has died aged 48 after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” his family said in a statement posted to his social media accounts. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

The star was diagnosed with the disease in the latter half of 2023 but only revealed the news in November 2024.

The father of six starred in multiple popular shows and films in the late 1990s and early 2000s, including the cult classic Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues.

The actor lived on a ranch in Texas, where he and his wife, Kimberly, as well as their six children, were able to connect with nature

In 2020, the Van Der Beeks announced they were leaving Los Angeles to “embark on a new adventure in Texas”