James Van Der Beek, renowned for his role in the 1990s teen drama 'Dawson's Creek', passed away at the age of 48 after a prolonged battle with colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced his passing on February 11, 2026, through a heartfelt Instagram post, stating, 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.' This announcement was echoed by multiple sources, including Access Hollywood and Page Six, highlighting the actor's bravery and the profound impact he had on his fans and the entertainment industry. Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in August 2023, as reported by Express News, and he publicly shared his journey in a 2024 issue of People magazine, becoming an advocate for early cancer detection.