James Van Der Beek, ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Actor, Dies at 48 After Cancer Battle

He first appeared in a hit TV drama as a wide-eyed 15-year-old who then grew up over six seasons. He announced he had cancer in 2024.James Van Der Beek in 2002. His character in “Dawson’s Creek” knew, as he put it, the “unyielding, merciless torture” of unrequited love.