Early Life
Van Der Beek grew up in Cheshire, Connecticut, acted in school and regional theater, and made his screen debut in the film Angus (1995).
Career
He became a star as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek (1998–2003). Other credits include the football drama Varsity Blues (1999) and the sitcom Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012–2013). He also competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2019.
Legacy
In 2024 Van Der Beek disclosed that he had colorectal cancer. He died on February 11, 2026, at age 48, survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their children.
Sources and further reading
Last updated: 2026-09-24