James Van Der Beek Bio, Age, Height, Wife Kimberly, Family, Dawson’s Creek, Varsity Blues, Death & Legacy (1977–2026)

James Van Der Beek captured the hearts of a generation as the earnest, introspective Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek,” then reinvented himself as a comedic force playing a fictionalized version of himself on “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23.” But beyond the roles that defined his career, Van Der Beek was a devoted husband, father of six, and courageous fighter who faced his mortality with grace, faith, and an unexpected revelation: that his cancer diagnosis reinvigorated his love for acting. On February 11, 2026, at age 48, the actor passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances, a loving family, and a final lesson in how to meet life’s greatest challenges with dignity.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Cheshire, Connecticut Roots

James David Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, a suburban town in New Haven County. His father, James William Van Der Beek, worked as a cellular phone company executive and had previously pitched in minor league baseball. His mother, Melinda Van Der Beek (née Weber, 1950–2020), was a professional dancer and gymnastics teacher who ran her own gymnastics studio.

Name Meaning: “Van Der Beek” is Dutch, translating to “from the creek”—a fitting surname for an actor who would become synonymous with a show set near a creek.

Siblings: James was the oldest of three children, with brother Jared and sister Juliana. In a 2019 Instagram post for Juliana’s birthday, he called her “the kindest person I’d ever known” and “a bright, shining beacon of sweetness, optimism and joy.”

From Shy Kid to Theater Lover

Despite his future fame, young James was remarkably introverted:

“I was a very shy kid. I never wanted to be an actor when I was a kid. I wanted to be an athlete.”

His transformation began in his early teens when he discovered theater:

“I really fell in love with acting. … The only place I felt comfortable being the center of attention was on stage.”

Education:

• Cheshire Academy: Private boarding school in Connecticut
• Drew University: Attended in Madison, New Jersey, but left to pursue acting career

Career Journey

Early Roles (1993–1997)

Professional Debut:

• 1993: Nickelodeon’s “Clarissa Explains It All” (TV episode)
• 1993: Off-Broadway production of Edward Albee’s “Finding the Sun” (age 16, rave reviews)

Breakthrough Film Role:

• 1995: “Angus” — first feature film, played high school bully Rick
• 1996: “I Love You, I Love You Not” — independent romance
• 1996: “As the World Turns” — three-episode stint on CBS soap opera

Dawson’s Creek: Teen Drama Icon (1998–2003)

The Role That Defined a Generation:

In 1998, Van Der Beek landed the title role in “Dawson’s Creek,” The WB’s teen drama that would run for six seasons and 128 episodes. As Dawson Leery, an earnest, Spielberg-obsessed aspiring filmmaker navigating adolescence in the fictional town of Capeside, Massachusetts, Van Der Beek became the face of late-’90s teen angst.

Co-Stars:

• Katie Holmes as Joey Potter (his character’s on-again, off-again love)
• Joshua Jackson as Pacey Witter (his best friend)
• Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley (the girl next door)

Cultural Impact:

• Made Van Der Beek a teen heartthrob and magazine cover fixture
• Defined the “sensitive but fiery” leading man archetype of the era
• Created “lamest form of PTSD” (his words): anxiety upon hearing teenage girls scream “Oooh!”

Van Der Beek on Dawson:

“There was so much about Dawson that annoyed me. I love that he was sensitive, I love that he was very open and not trying to be a jock. So I love the vulnerability there, that was something I was kind of happy to be putting out. But the rest of it I found kind of annoying, to be honest with you.”

“We all gave it our all, which is why it was so exhausting to go through. I don’t think any of us even knew how to phone it in, even if we decided we wanted to.”

Film Stardom: Varsity Blues (1999)

While starring on “Dawson’s Creek,” Van Der Beek became a movie star with “Varsity Blues” (1999):

Role: Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, a second-string quarterback in small-town Texas who challenges his tyrannical football coach (Jon Voight) while dreaming of attending Brown University

Iconic Line: “I don’t want your life” — delivered to his father, became a generational catchphrase

Box Office: Solid commercial success, cemented Van Der Beek’s film career alongside his TV fame

Post-Dawson’s Career (2003–2010s)

Film Roles:

• “The Rules of Attraction” (2002) — Sean Bateman (brother of American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman)
• “Texas Rangers” (2001)
• “Formosa Betrayed” (2009)
• “Labor Day” (2013)
• “Bad Hair” (2020)

Television Guest Appearances:

• “Criminal Minds” (2007)
• “Ugly Betty” (2007)
• “How I Met Your Mother” (2008)
• “One Tree Hill” (2008–2009)
• “Medium” (2009)
• “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” (2012)
• “Law & Order: SVU” (2012)

Career Reinvention: Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 (2012–2013)

Van Der Beek achieved critical acclaim playing a fictionalized version of himself on the ABC sitcom:

The Character: An exaggerated, narcissistic, struggling actor version of “James Van Der Beek” trying to revive his career

Critical Reception:

• “A really fun character to play because he was completely without shame”
• “Fun to mock the business, and it’s fun to keep your own ego in check”
• “Liberating” to destroy his own precious self-image

The show developed a cult following despite its short run.

Later Television Roles (2015–2025)

Dancing with the Stars (2019)

Season 28: Paired with professional dancer Emma Slater

Journey:

• Consistently scored in top spot
• Favored to win competition
• Eliminated in semi-finals (5th place) in controversial decision

The Tragedy:

• Elimination night: Revealed wife Kimberly had suffered a miscarriage 48 hours prior
• Judges scored him lowest despite personal trauma
• Fans outraged at elimination timing

Emma Slater’s Tribute (2026):
Following Van Der Beek’s death, Slater shared heartfelt memories of their partnership, calling him “a light” and praising his courage.

Personal Life

First Marriage: Heather McComb (2003–2010)

• Married: July 5, 2003
• Separated: April 2009
• Divorced: 2010
• No children together

Second Marriage: Kimberly Brook (2010–2026)

The Meeting (Israel, 2010):
While traveling with friends in Israel, Van Der Beek had a revelation:

“I was done being single. I wanted a real relationship. A soul mate. Someone with whom I could build a family.”

Mid-conversation with a friend, a voice interrupted them. Van Der Beek was annoyed—until he turned around and saw Kimberly Brook.

“Three days later, I asked her what she was looking for in a relationship. Her answer: ‘I’m not looking for a relationship.’ Six months later, we were living together. Two weeks after that, we were pregnant and almost exactly one year to the date after she’d first interrupted me… we were married.”

Wedding: August 1, 2010, at the Kabbalah Center near Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, Israel — a small, spiritual ceremony

Six Children

Miscarriage Struggles

Van Der Beek was open about fertility struggles:

• November 2019: Kimberly suffered miscarriage one month after announcing pregnancy
• November 2021: Revealed two miscarriages at 17 weeks or later before Jeremiah’s birth
• Used platform to support others experiencing pregnancy loss

Move to Texas (2020)

In September 2020, Van Der Beek announced the family was leaving Los Angeles for Texas:

“Onto the next big adventure!”

The family settled on a “hippie cowboy” river ranch, embracing a quieter, more rural lifestyle away from Hollywood.

Cancer Battle & Final Days

Diagnosis (August 2023)

Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 but kept it private initially.

Public Disclosure (November 2024)

On November 3, 2024, he shared the news on Instagram:

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before. Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support.”

Treatment & Work

Despite diagnosis, Van Der Beek continued working:

• 2024: “Walker” (CW), “We Are Family,” “The Real Full Monty”
• 2025: “The Masked Singer” (as “Griffin”), “Overcompensating,” “Elle” pre-production
• November 2025: Auctioned “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues” memorabilia, raising $47,000+ for medical costs

The Revelation: Cancer Reinvigorated His Passion

In a summer 2025 interview with USA TODAY, Van Der Beek shared a surprising insight:

“For a minute, I thought, ‘You know what? I don’t need acting. I don’t need it in the way that I did before. I’m very, very happy just doing this here with my family.'”

“And then, when I got cancer, I realized I love to tell stories. Acting is actually a real passion. Writing is a real passion, and I need to feed that.”

“I joke that I’m the only guy I know who got cancer and realized I need to work more.”

Final Public Appearance (September 2025)

Made brief video statement for “Dawson’s Creek” reunion charity event, unable to attend in person due to health.

Final Instagram Post (January 2026)

Two weeks before his death, celebrating joint birthday of his father and daughter:

“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good. You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life.”

Death & Legacy

Passing (February 11, 2026)

James Van Der Beek died peacefully on February 11, 2026, at age 48.

Family Statement (Instagram):

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.”

GoFundMe for Family

kimberly van Der Beek linked to a GoFundMe created by friends:

Purpose:

• Cover “essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education”
• Help family “find hope and security as they rebuild their lives”
• Address costs of “extended fight against cancer” that left family “out of funds”

Statement: “They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”

Net Worth & Financial Situation

Despite a reported $3 million net worth, the family faced financial strain:

• Medical costs from 2.5-year cancer battle
• Extended treatment depleted savings
• Texas ranch and assets not immediately liquid
• GoFundMe necessary for immediate expenses

Some sources estimated higher net worth ($12–15 million) pre-illness, but medical costs and reduced work capacity impacted finances.

Tributes & Remembrances

Co-Stars:

• Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams (“Dawson’s Creek” cast): Expected tributes from generation-defining co-stars
• Emma Slater (“Dancing with the Stars”): Shared heartfelt memories of their partnership

Industry:

• Paul Walter Hauser: Organized Cameo fundraiser before death, raised $20,000
• Fans worldwide mourned the loss of a ’90s icon

Interesting Facts

1. The “Crying Dawson” Meme: His tearful face from “Dawson’s Creek” became one of the internet’s most recognizable reaction images
2. Varsity Blues Line: “I don’t want your life” was improvised and became the film’s most quoted moment
3. Kabbalah Wedding: Married Kimberly at a Kabbalah Center in Israel, embracing spiritual Judaism
4. Six Kids in 11 Years: Had all six children between 2010–2021, during career reinvention period
5. Voice Acting: Spent four years (2017–2021) as voice of Boris Hauntley on Disney Junior’s “Vampirina”
6. Cameo in Jay and Silent Bob: Played himself in Kevin Smith’s 2001 film, beginning tradition of self-parody
7. Showrunner Debut: “What Would Diplo Do?” (2017) was his first time as series creator and showrunner
8. Athletic Dreams: As a child, wanted to be a professional athlete, not an actor
9. Dutch Heritage: Last name means “from the creek”—coincidentally perfect for “Dawson’s Creek”
10. Final Role: Posthumous appearance in “Elle” (Legally Blonde prequel) as Dean Wilson

Quotes

“I don’t want your life.” — Varsity Blues (1999)

“There was so much about Dawson that annoyed me… But the rest of it I found kind of annoying, to be honest with you.”

“I was done being single. I wanted a real relationship. A soul mate. Someone with whom I could build a family.”

“I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before.”

“I joke that I’m the only guy I know who got cancer and realized I need to work more.”

“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good.”

Social Media Links (Archived)

• Instagram: @vanderjames — Memorialized
• Twitter/X: @vanderjames
• Kimberly Van Der Beek Instagram: @vanderkimberly

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was James Van Der Beek when he died?
James Van Der Beek was 48 years old when he died on February 11, 2026. He was born March 8, 1977.

What did James Van Der Beek die of?
James Van Der Beek died of colorectal cancer. He was diagnosed in August 2023 and publicly disclosed the illness in November 2024.

Who was James Van Der Beek’s wife?
At the time of his death, James Van Der Beek was married to Kimberly Brook (married August 1, 2010). He was previously married to actress Heather McComb (2003–2010).

How many children did James Van Der Beek have?
James Van Der Beek had six children with wife Kimberly: Olivia (b. 2010), Joshua (b. 2012), Annabel (b. 2014), Emilia (b. 2016), Gwendolyn (b. 2018), and Jeremiah (b. 2021).

What was James Van Der Beek’s net worth?
James Van Der Beek’s net worth was estimated at $3 million at the time of his death. Despite this, medical costs from his cancer battle left his family in need of financial assistance via GoFundMe.

What is James Van Der Beek best known for?
James Van Der Beek is best known for playing Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek” (1998–2003) and Jonathan “Mox” Moxon in “Varsity Blues” (1999). He also gained acclaim playing a fictionalized version of himself on “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” (2012–2013).

Did James Van Der Beek win Dancing with the Stars?
No. James Van Der Beek competed on Season 28 of “Dancing with the Stars” (2019) with partner Emma Slater. He was eliminated in the semi-finals and finished in 5th place, despite being a frontrunner. He revealed his wife had suffered a miscarriage 48 hours before his elimination.

Where did James Van Der Beek live?
James Van Der Beek lived in Texas on a “hippie cowboy” river ranch. He moved from Los Angeles to Texas with his family in September 2020.

What was James Van Der Beek’s last role?
James Van Der Beek’s final role was as Dean Wilson in “Elle,” a prequel series to “Legally Blonde,” which was in production at the time of his death. He also appeared in “Overcompensating” (2025) and competed on “The Masked Singer” (2025) as “Griffin.”

How did James Van Der Beek meet his wife?
James Van Der Beek met Kimberly Brook in Israel in 2010 while traveling with friends. He described it as love at first sight, saying she “interrupted” his conversation about wanting a relationship. They married three days after their one-year meeting anniversary.

Conclusion

James Van Der Beek’s journey from shy Connecticut kid to teen heartthrob to self-aware comedic actor to devoted father of six represents a career—and life—of remarkable range and resilience. His willingness to mock his own fame, to reinvent himself when the spotlight dimmed, and to face mortality with courage and even humor, revealed a man far more complex than the earnest Dawson Leery he portrayed.

In his final years, Van Der Beek taught us that life’s greatest challenges can reinvigorate rather than diminish our passions. His cancer diagnosis, rather than ending his career, renewed his love for acting and storytelling. His devotion to his wife and six children, his openness about miscarriage and loss, and his final graceful acceptance of his fate, all speak to a life well-lived, if cut tragically short.

As the “Dawson’s Creek” theme song asked, “I don’t want to wait for our lives to be over.” James Van Der Beek didn’t wait. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left behind a body of work that will continue to define a generation. The creek may have run dry, but the legacy flows on.

Remembering James Van Der Beek (1977–2026). Share this tribute to honor his life, his work, and his courageous battle.