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In the wake of his death at 48, one final performance from James Van Der Beek is set to reach audiences later this year. Van Der Beek had recently joined the cast of Elle, the upcoming prequel series to the Legally Blonde universe, developed for Prime Video. The series is scheduled to premiere July 1, 2026, and filming for its first season was already completed prior to his passing.

The public first knew him as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek. To those closest to him, he was something far more enduring. Above all, a dad of 6. With the passing of James Van Der Beek at age 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, the grief rippling outward begins at home. His wife of 15 years, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared the news of his death in a statement marked by quiet faith and gratitude, asking for privacy as the family mourns a husband and father who anchored their world.

James Van Der Beek, the American actor best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek, has died at the age of 48 after a long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His passing was confirmed on February 11, 2026.