Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek dies aged 48

Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek has died at the age of 48, with his family saying he passed away 'peacefully'.

The actor was diagnosed with cancer in late 2023 following a routine screening that revealed a tumour.

It was in November the following year that he went public with his health news, telling fans he had stage three colorectal cancer.

His family confirmed that he sadly passed away earlier today.

A statement said: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.

Van Der Beek was 48 (Instagram/@vanderjames)

"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 - who shared four daughters and two sons with wife Kimberly Brook - had been navigating his cancer journey in privacy, but was forced to announce his diagnosis when he discovered a tabloid outlet planned to do it for him.

"There’s no playbook for how announce these things, but I’d planned on talking about it at length with PEOPLE Magazine at some point soon... to raise awareness and tell my story on my own terms," he said on Instagram.

Van Der Beek with wife Kimberley (Instagram/@vanderkimberly)

"But that plan had to be altered early this morning when I was informed that a tabloid was going to run with the news."

In a follow-up statement, he apologised to any of his close friends or family who found out the difficult news through his interview with press.

"Apologies to all the people in my life who I'd planned on telling myself," Van Der Beek wrote.

"Nothing about this process has occurred on my preferred timeline...

"But we roll with it, taking each surprise as a signpost, pointing us toward a greater destiny than we would have discovered without divine intervention.

"Please know that my family and I deeply appreciate all the love and support."

Van Der Beek will be best remembered for his starring role in Dawson's Creek, in which he played Dawson Leery alongside the likes of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.