American actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the television drama Dawson’s Creek, died on February 11, 2026, at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced his death on social media, describing his final days as marked by “courage, faith and grace.”
Van Der Beek had publicly disclosed his diagnosis in November 2024 after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 during a routine colonoscopy. He initially kept his diagnosis private as he underwent treatment and spent time with his family before sharing it openly with fans.
Throughout his nearly three-decade career, Van Der Beek appeared in dozens of television series and films, including Dawson’s Creek, the teen sports film Varsity Blues, The Rules of Attraction, CSI: Cyber, Don’t Trust the B- in Apartment 23, and more. He also made guest appearances on reality shows such as “Dancing With the Stars” and “The Masked Singer” in later years.
In the months leading up to his death, Van Der Beek auctioned memorabilia from his roles in Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues to help cover the costs of his cancer treatment and to raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, whom he married in 2010, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
Colorectal cancer refers to cancer that starts in the colon or rectum, parts of the large intestine in the digestive system. It may also be called bowel cancer or colon cancer. Cancer cells in these tissues can grow and spread to other parts of the body if not treated. Screening methods like colonoscopy can detect precancerous polyps and early cancers.1
Typical symptoms include:
Blood in the stool
Persistent changes in bowel habits
Abdominal discomfort
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
These may not always appear in early disease stages, which underscores the role of screening.
Official CDC statistics estimate that 147,931 new colorectal cancer cases were reported in the United States in 2022, with 53,779 deaths attributed to the disease in 2023, reflecting its significant health burden. 1
According to the American Cancer Society, by 2026 colorectal cancer is expected to cause about 55,230 deaths, making it one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the U.S. The disease remains among the most commonly diagnosed cancers outside of skin cancer.
While overall rates of colorectal cancer have declined in older adults — likely due to increased screening and treatment advances — cancer incidence and mortality have been increasing in younger adults (under 50). The rate of diagnoses in individuals younger than 50 has been rising about 2.9% per year from 2013 to 2022. 1
Medical research and health agencies identify several risk factors that may increase an individual’s likelihood of developing colorectal cancer. Factors include:
Age: risk rises with age, particularly after 45
Family history or genetic conditions (e.g., Lynch syndrome)
Personal medical history (e.g., polyps or inflammatory bowel disease)
Lifestyle factors:
Excess body weight
Physical inactivity
Smoking
Alcohol use
Diets high in red or processed meats
These factors do not guarantee cancer development but are associated with increased risk.
Other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, are also linked to a higher risk of both developing and having a less favorable prognosis for colorectal cancer.
Early detection of colorectal cancer significantly improves treatment outcomes. Medical guidelines in the United States recommend that average-risk adults begin regular screening at age 45, often using colonoscopy or non-invasive stool tests. Screening can detect and allow for the removal of precancerous lesions before they develop into cancer.
Despite these recommendations, screening adherence remains below target levels in some communities, particularly among low-income and rural populations, highlighting ongoing public health challenges.
Following his death, friends and supporters launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Kimberly Van Der Beek and the couple’s six children, citing significant financial strain after years of medical costs.
Within 24 hours of its launch, the fundraiser had raised more than $1.2 million, with contributions from fans, fellow actors, and members of the entertainment industry. Organisers said funds will help cover essential living expenses, educational costs for the children, and efforts to maintain the family home.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Colorectal Cancer Statistics.” United States Cancer Statistics: Data Visualizations. Last reviewed August 12, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/united-states-cancer-statistics/publications/colorectal-cancer-stat-bite.html.
American Cancer Society. “Colorectal Cancer Risk Factors.” Cancer.org. Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html.
American Cancer Society. “What Causes Colorectal Cancer?” Cancer.org. Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/colon-rectal-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html.