The internet mourned Dawnson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek, who died on Wednesday (Feb. 11).
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” the actor’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote on Instagram. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek announced in late 2024 that he had been diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was 48 when he died.
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The internet reacted to the untimely passing of the beloved actor, who epitomized late ’90s teen angst in his role on the WB drama. Van Der Beek also starred in the football film Varsity Blues, the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ The Rules of Attraction, and the cult sitcom favorite Don’t Trust the B—- In Apartment 23.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife and six children.
