The entertainment world is in mourning following the loss of James Van Der Beek, the beloved actor who became a household name as the earnest Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek. James passed away peacefully on the morning of February 11, 2026, at the age of 48, following a courageous and private battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
While he was a star on the screen, those closest to him knew him as a man of profound faith, a devoted husband, and a father who put his family above all else.
A Career That Defined a Generation
Born in 1977 in Cheshire, Connecticut, James’s journey to stardom began at just 15 years old. While he delivered memorable performances in films like Varsity Blues and showed his range in The Rules of Attraction, it was his role in Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003) that left an indelible mark on television history.
In recent years, he continued to inspire, competing on Dancing with the Stars and The Masked Singer, always bringing a sense of humor and humility to his work. Even during his illness, he remained active, recently filming the Legally Blonde prequel series, Elle.
A Life Centered on Family
In 2010, James married Kimberly Brook in a small, meaningful ceremony in Tel Aviv. Together, they built a life centered on love and nature, eventually moving their family to a ranch in Texas to seek a slower, more intentional pace of life.
James is survived by Kimberly and their six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4). He often spoke of fatherhood as his most "extraordinary" role, frequently sharing glimpses of their life on the ranch and his deep gratitude for his children's "open, warm, and gentle hearts.
Trusting the Plan: Stacy Keibler’s Tribute
Among the many tributes pouring in, family friend and former WWE champion Stacy Keibler shared a deeply personal reflection on James’s final days. Accompanied by a poignant photo of the two watching a Texas sunset—James in a wheelchair, Stacy by his side—she spoke of the wisdom he shared as the sun dipped below the horizon.
"In these past days, you taught me more about being present than any book ever could," Keibler wrote. "You showed me what it looks like to trust God's plan, even when it breaks your heart. Especially when it breaks your heart. The other night we watched the sunset together as you shared your wisdom, your hopes, and the promises we made to each other. We talked about how this world can feel upside down… and how maybe heaven needs your spirit now to help steady us down here. And just as the sun slipped away, a shooting star crossed the sky… as if to remind us that none of this is random."
How You Can Support the Van Der Beek Family
The extended battle with cancer and the costs of specialized care have left the family facing significant financial strain. A GoFundMe page has been established to support Kimberly and the children with medical bills, daily living expenses, and the children's future education.
The fund has already seen an outpouring of love from fans and colleagues alike, a testament to the lives James touched. [Click to visit the Official Support for James Van Der Beek's Family page]. https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-james-van-der-beeks-family
A Spirit That Remains
As we look to the skies in the coming days, we are reminded of the peace James found in his final moments. As Stacy concluded her tribute:
"While your physical body may no longer be here, I know your spirit is doing big things. I feel it already. We may have lost a good one here on earth… but heaven gained something extraordinary. I will think of you every time I watch a sunset. Every time I see a rainbow stretch across the sky. I'll know you’re there."