James Van Der Beek of 'Dawson's Creek' Passes Away at 48. Family Faces Financial Hardship and Risk of Losing Their Home

American actor James Van Der Beek, who became a teen idol in the 1990s TV drama 'Dawson’s Creek', passed away from colon cancer on Wednesday (the 11th), at the age of 48.

His widow Kimberly announced the news on social media: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy so we may mourn our dearly beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.” James and Kimberly had six children together.

James was diagnosed in 2023 and in November 2024 disclosed that he had been diagnosed with stage III colon cancer. Last November, he announced that he would auction memorabilia from ‘Dawson’s Creek’ and the film ‘Varsity Blues,’ which he starred in, to help cover medical bills.

After his death, his wife Kimberly announced financial difficulties and now faces, together with their six children, the risk of losing their home. She started a crowdfunding campaign online seeking help. More than 13,000 netizens donated, raising over $770,000 (about 3.015 million ringgit).

Source: oncc