In the final months of his life, James Van Der Beek auctioned off personal items, including clothing from Dawson’s Creek, to help cover his medical treatment.
The actor shared a hopeful—and now heartbreaking—message with fans less than a month before his unexpected passing at the age of 48 on Wednesday.
Van Der Beek’s family confirmed his death on social media, coming just over a year after he publicly revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis.
In an Instagram video posted on January 15, he reflected on New Year’s resolutions and offered advice about taking time for oneself.
“Anyone else out there finding that your New Year’s resolution was impossible to keep? I’m going to say something: I don’t think it’s your fault,” he said.
He continued, “Why are we celebrating a new year in the dead of winter? Why are we celebrating new beginnings at a time when nature rests? I’m going to take winter to recover, to rest, and I’m going to make New Year’s resolutions in the spring. Who’s with me?”
Van Der Beek explained his reasoning further: “Animals are hibernating! Birds fly south for the winter! The time to celebrate a new beginning, a new you, and new resolutions is in the spring, at the vernal equinox, when flowers bloom, it gets warmer, and the birds return. That’s how nature does it. Why are we fighting nature?”
Tragic Passing
The actor passed away at 6:44 a.m. Pacific Time on Wednesday, according to the Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office in Texas. His wife, Kimberly, confirmed the news in an emotional Instagram post.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” she wrote. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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 is survived by Kimberly and their six children: Olivia, 14; Joshua, 12; Annabel, 10; Emilia, 8; Gwen, 6; and Jeremiah, 3.
He first disclosed his diagnosis in a November 2024 interview with People, stating, “I have colorectal cancer. I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”
During that time, he auctioned off some of his Dawson’s Creek memorabilia—including outfits from the show’s pilot episode—to help cover the costs of treatment. The auction reportedly raised between $26,400 and $52,800, all going toward his medical care.
Van Der Beek rose to fame as Dawson Leery in the hit series, which aired from 1998 to 2003, cementing his place as a beloved figure in television history.
