James Van Der Beek's family, what to know about his wife and 6 kids
- - James Van Der Beek's family, what to know about his wife and 6 kids
Kate Perez, USA TODAYFebruary 12, 2026 at 3:16 AM
0
James Van Der Beek, the actor known best for his starring roles in "Dawson's Creek" and "Varsity Blues," has died at the age of 48, following a diagnosis of colorectal cancer.
The actor is survived by his wife and six children. Van Der Beek and his wife, then Kimberly Brook, married in 2010 and share six children, ages 4 to 15 years old. He previously spoke of his family's support amid his battle with cancer to "Good Morning America" in 2024 and said his wife was consistently at his side following his diagnosis.
"She's been amazing," he said at the time. "She's really telling me what unconditional love is, and I'm someone who has always in the past tried to do everything for everybody and never asked for help myself, and this has put me in a position of having to ask for help and having to receive help."
"The beautiful blessing of that has been seeing how many people in my life have shown up."
Here's a look at Van Der Beek's family.
who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
" style=padding-bottom:56%>From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/72vtiAfsBTChcq5rK1quxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTkx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e39f9b6a72794fc29c8838816ff156b6 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
">From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/72vtiAfsBTChcq5rK1quxg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xOTkx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e39f9b6a72794fc29c8838816ff156b6 class=caas-img>In this photo taken in 1997, the cast of "Dawson's Creek": Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery), Michelle Williams (Jennifer Lindley) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey).
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Gxj6aCKPzoDLw_gZmV8U6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTgx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f82d770e57e0ab744bc4e630d8ac9aca class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
In this photo taken in 1997, the cast of "Dawson's Creek": Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery), Michelle Williams (Jennifer Lindley) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey).
">In this photo taken in 1997, the cast of "Dawson's Creek": Katie Holmes (Joey Potter), James Van Der Beek (Dawson Leery), Michelle Williams (Jennifer Lindley) and Joshua Jackson (Pacey).
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/Gxj6aCKPzoDLw_gZmV8U6Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTgx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/f82d770e57e0ab744bc4e630d8ac9aca class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and John Voight star in "Varsity Blues" in 1999.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHUfErgx0V49nALrCRhjIQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54dc3fa8aef01b60fb52b7d0921df1c9 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and John Voight star in "Varsity Blues" in 1999.
">James Van Der Beek and John Voight star in "Varsity Blues" in 1999.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yHUfErgx0V49nALrCRhjIQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/54dc3fa8aef01b60fb52b7d0921df1c9 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb attend the GLAAD Awards on April 15, 2000, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/K4aBMrb4GRrANJ0Vm0Dqlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7f130dbf8a94010bb38be1616a9695ae class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb attend the GLAAD Awards on April 15, 2000, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.
">James Van Der Beek and Heather McComb attend the GLAAD Awards on April 15, 2000, at the Century Plaza Hotel in Century City, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/K4aBMrb4GRrANJ0Vm0Dqlw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7f130dbf8a94010bb38be1616a9695ae class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" arrives at the WB Network's 2001 All-Star Party on Jan. 6, 2001, in Pasadena, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yNcfdzYrIPL9GCS6h8r30w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMTY2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20d66d923e6c4e67a4ff091612f289ff class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" arrives at the WB Network's 2001 All-Star Party on Jan. 6, 2001, in Pasadena, California.
">James Van Der Beek of "Dawson's Creek" arrives at the WB Network's 2001 All-Star Party on Jan. 6, 2001, in Pasadena, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/yNcfdzYrIPL9GCS6h8r30w--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMTY2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/20d66d923e6c4e67a4ff091612f289ff class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek (seen here in 2001) stars as Dawson Leery in TV's "Dawson's Creek."
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VYHcmZ4b.hv824SKy.f3oQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68caa4f3e00205ce3eab5f4a311f86cb class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek (seen here in 2001) stars as Dawson Leery in TV's "Dawson's Creek."
">James Van Der Beek (seen here in 2001) stars as Dawson Leery in TV's "Dawson's Creek."
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/VYHcmZ4b.hv824SKy.f3oQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODEx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/68caa4f3e00205ce3eab5f4a311f86cb class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Jessica Simpson at the Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on April 21, 2001.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pDg.UGwncRpr.IynxlPwzw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d567ca52e9248f5084441a945950a940 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Jessica Simpson at the Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on April 21, 2001.
">James Van Der Beek and Jessica Simpson at the Nickelodeon's 14th annual Kids' Choice Awards at Barker Hangar in Los Angeles on April 21, 2001.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/pDg.UGwncRpr.IynxlPwzw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/d567ca52e9248f5084441a945950a940 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek plays in a softball game between the Hollywood All-Stars and the San Francisco Forty Niners Alumni on June 8, 2002, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kaji_YiCMFZXe5sJiu5xgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMDcx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4945ecfbf2a57d06daec2b897f987f74 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek plays in a softball game between the Hollywood All-Stars and the San Francisco Forty Niners Alumni on June 8, 2002, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
">James Van Der Beek plays in a softball game between the Hollywood All-Stars and the San Francisco Forty Niners Alumni on June 8, 2002, at the Network Associates Coliseum in Oakland, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/kaji_YiCMFZXe5sJiu5xgA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0yMDcx/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4945ecfbf2a57d06daec2b897f987f74 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek attends the launch of the "uBid for Hurricane Relief" charity auction and benefit at the Empire Ballroom on Oct. 15, 2005, in Las Vegas.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e4BsfVoCZD13qaEmqlJf.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/90363f071075ccf859c6dae9ffe6863e class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek attends the launch of the "uBid for Hurricane Relief" charity auction and benefit at the Empire Ballroom on Oct. 15, 2005, in Las Vegas.
">James Van Der Beek attends the launch of the "uBid for Hurricane Relief" charity auction and benefit at the Empire Ballroom on Oct. 15, 2005, in Las Vegas.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/e4BsfVoCZD13qaEmqlJf.Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MDU-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/90363f071075ccf859c6dae9ffe6863e class=caas-img>James van der Beek arrives at a private performance of Cirque Du Soliel's "Delirium" on Sept. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OzEibV._q667hOVrk6tzNQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODMz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a755269a3bf13e8e295613c980cc7190 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James van der Beek arrives at a private performance of Cirque Du Soliel's "Delirium" on Sept. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles.
">James van der Beek arrives at a private performance of Cirque Du Soliel's "Delirium" on Sept. 14, 2006, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/OzEibV._q667hOVrk6tzNQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODMz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/a755269a3bf13e8e295613c980cc7190 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek attends the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game at the Dodger Stadium on June 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0xTEMgNxVUjPltx9ymlwiA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16c0abc9a8044fe7c823815c2cc72fbb class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek attends the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game at the Dodger Stadium on June 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek attends the 50th annual Hollywood Stars Game at the Dodger Stadium on June 21, 2008, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/0xTEMgNxVUjPltx9ymlwiA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/16c0abc9a8044fe7c823815c2cc72fbb class=caas-img>Ian Somerhalder and James Van Der Beek arrive at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party on Dec. 8, 2009.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v2tSEntndS_rKu56a.DePQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzUy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ed8ee444166bec87ba15571dacb8355d class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Ian Somerhalder and James Van Der Beek arrive at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party on Dec. 8, 2009.
">Ian Somerhalder and James Van Der Beek arrive at the 2nd annual Golden Globes party on Dec. 8, 2009.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/v2tSEntndS_rKu56a.DePQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzUy/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ed8ee444166bec87ba15571dacb8355d class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook attend the "William Vincent" after party during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at The Gates on April 25, 2010 in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4msFQlvioc87K.6r3dHKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTU0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/299cacaa156aae5f5052198fd6bb4716 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook attend the "William Vincent" after party during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at The Gates on April 25, 2010 in New York City.
">James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook attend the "William Vincent" after party during the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival at The Gates on April 25, 2010 in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/n4msFQlvioc87K.6r3dHKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNTU0/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/299cacaa156aae5f5052198fd6bb4716 class=caas-img> James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend HBO's Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/t7gyahFBHiQFMDiE24WKuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzg2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/068ad06fa53bc4cc4c65b7bcf41f967a class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend HBO's Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
"> James Van Der Beek and Kimberly Van Der Beek attend HBO's Post 2011 Golden Globe Awards Party held at The Beverly Hilton hotel on Jan. 16, 2011 in Beverly Hills, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/t7gyahFBHiQFMDiE24WKuA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzg2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/068ad06fa53bc4cc4c65b7bcf41f967a class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek speaks onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/am7iA0Yo8CFkeiGze_29Wg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53c094c16c0b509192672a9339383452 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek speaks onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
">James Van Der Beek speaks onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/am7iA0Yo8CFkeiGze_29Wg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjM-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/53c094c16c0b509192672a9339383452 class=caas-img>Phoenix, James Van Der Beek, Mimi Imfurst and Alexis Mateo onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/eh2sNcUOYIleCB7mY1ZnZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3414ebe8d86bf341e5e6d638bda1e4e6 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Phoenix, James Van Der Beek, Mimi Imfurst and Alexis Mateo onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
">Phoenix, James Van Der Beek, Mimi Imfurst and Alexis Mateo onstage during Logo's "NewNowNext Awards" 2011 at Avalon on April 7, 2011 in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/eh2sNcUOYIleCB7mY1ZnZQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04OTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/3414ebe8d86bf341e5e6d638bda1e4e6 class=caas-img>Liza Lapira, James Van Der Beek and Krysten Ritter speak during the "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 10, 2012, in Pasadena, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gsGm02wgtaQotRn0iHnBKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c2795c9a6dc245f24354dd3a245b24ec class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Liza Lapira, James Van Der Beek and Krysten Ritter speak during the "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 10, 2012, in Pasadena, California.
">Liza Lapira, James Van Der Beek and Krysten Ritter speak during the "Don't Trust the B---- In Apartment 23" panel during the ABC portion of the 2012 Winter TCA Tour held at The Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on Jan. 10, 2012, in Pasadena, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/gsGm02wgtaQotRn0iHnBKw--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04ODc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/c2795c9a6dc245f24354dd3a245b24ec class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of Open Road's "The Grey" at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE on Jan. 11, 2012.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XKjDvFWmqV13IRyMplg3NQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ec91955ece66590bea48d5f7ddb89fac class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of Open Road's "The Grey" at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE on Jan. 11, 2012.
">James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek attend the premiere of Open Road's "The Grey" at Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE on Jan. 11, 2012.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/XKjDvFWmqV13IRyMplg3NQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzY1/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/ec91955ece66590bea48d5f7ddb89fac class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek accepts the Icon Award during the 14th annual Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing at Hollywood Athletic Club on June 14, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JPc3Tx6xpNwoq09TtUu1ZA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4305376a9cae2a42187ca3991be5e2d6 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek accepts the Icon Award during the 14th annual Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing at Hollywood Athletic Club on June 14, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
">James Van Der Beek accepts the Icon Award during the 14th annual Young Hollywood Awards presented by Bing at Hollywood Athletic Club on June 14, 2012 in Hollywood, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JPc3Tx6xpNwoq09TtUu1ZA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04NTc-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/4305376a9cae2a42187ca3991be5e2d6 class=caas-img>
James Van Der Beek visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3TGJq6IQ65hsezrZkElbsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b04a8b107fed7d0afb593090a6a30c03 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City.
">James Van Der Beek visits "Late Night With Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on Oct. 26, 2012 in New York City.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/3TGJq6IQ65hsezrZkElbsQ--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNDQ2/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/b04a8b107fed7d0afb593090a6a30c03 class=caas-img>Kimberley Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek attend the "Labor Day" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on Sept. 7, 2013, in Toronto, Canada.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZlUzwcxd_ddY04gKbaIaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzgz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/98511930b84a883262d5267468175c88 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
Kimberley Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek attend the "Labor Day" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on Sept. 7, 2013, in Toronto, Canada.
">Kimberley Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek attend the "Labor Day" premiere during the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at Ryerson Theatre on Sept. 7, 2013, in Toronto, Canada.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/vZlUzwcxd_ddY04gKbaIaA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xNzgz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/98511930b84a883262d5267468175c88 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek, son Joshua Van Der Beek, daughter Olivia Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek arrive at the 11th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos on April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MeNvQIlx6OHrDZ2aOydOUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9e907bceb74fc9d623c8756b64536d1e class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek, son Joshua Van Der Beek, daughter Olivia Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek arrive at the 11th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos on April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek, son Joshua Van Der Beek, daughter Olivia Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly Van Der Beek arrive at the 11th annual John Varvatos Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos on April 13, 2014, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MeNvQIlx6OHrDZ2aOydOUg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODE4/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/9e907bceb74fc9d623c8756b64536d1e class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and son Joshua Van Der Beek attend the John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos Boutique on April 13, 2014.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qsA4gtfr34TxnYd6W1Qc2Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af452eb5fb6386eeddd722658bb29ff8 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and son Joshua Van Der Beek attend the John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos Boutique on April 13, 2014.
">James Van Der Beek and son Joshua Van Der Beek attend the John Varvatos 11th annual Stuart House Benefit at John Varvatos Boutique on April 13, 2014.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qsA4gtfr34TxnYd6W1Qc2Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xODYz/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/af452eb5fb6386eeddd722658bb29ff8 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek and Shad Moss speak onstage during the "CSI: Cyber" panel as part of the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter Television Critics Association press tour on Jan. 12, 2015 in Pasadena, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oFaPy2X4AqN7awi7ZcZ0XA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0dedea9b66833647d76fea4a5e061958 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek and Shad Moss speak onstage during the "CSI: Cyber" panel as part of the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter Television Critics Association press tour on Jan. 12, 2015 in Pasadena, California.
">James Van Der Beek and Shad Moss speak onstage during the "CSI: Cyber" panel as part of the CBS/Showtime 2015 Winter Television Critics Association press tour on Jan. 12, 2015 in Pasadena, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/oFaPy2X4AqN7awi7ZcZ0XA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjk-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0dedea9b66833647d76fea4a5e061958 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek throws out the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sep 7, 2017.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a_GFL3UzJFr8hnL_Gp6x3Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e22bd8f91b496fed9f267273653151b3 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek throws out the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sep 7, 2017.
">James Van Der Beek throws out the first pitch between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium on Sep 7, 2017.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/a_GFL3UzJFr8hnL_Gp6x3Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/e22bd8f91b496fed9f267273653151b3 class=caas-img>From left, POSE honorees James Van Der Beek, Charlayne Woodard, Hailie Sahar, Our Lady J, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Ryan Murphy, Janet Mock, Billy Porter, Steven Canals, Dyllon Burnside, Mj Rodriguez and Ryan Jamaal Swain attend the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA 2018 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wqXjMNajNuv7BMuPiMs68Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/26cb75ed976c349ba7948c0f5a5d6107 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
From left, POSE honorees James Van Der Beek, Charlayne Woodard, Hailie Sahar, Our Lady J, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Ryan Murphy, Janet Mock, Billy Porter, Steven Canals, Dyllon Burnside, Mj Rodriguez and Ryan Jamaal Swain attend the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA 2018 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
">From left, POSE honorees James Van Der Beek, Charlayne Woodard, Hailie Sahar, Our Lady J, Indya Moore, Dominique Jackson, Ryan Murphy, Janet Mock, Billy Porter, Steven Canals, Dyllon Burnside, Mj Rodriguez and Ryan Jamaal Swain attend the Trevor Project's TrevorLIVE LA 2018 at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on Dec. 3, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wqXjMNajNuv7BMuPiMs68Q--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/26cb75ed976c349ba7948c0f5a5d6107 class=caas-img>
James Van Der Beek stops by the WarnerMedia Lodge for "Elevating Storytelling with AT&T" during Sundance Film Festival 2020 on Jan. 24, 2020, in Park City, Utah.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.RQk5SEoHiZRCtgYQFQh6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7e3d6bf6eb89f0bc3367578336f7d394 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek stops by the WarnerMedia Lodge for "Elevating Storytelling with AT&T" during Sundance Film Festival 2020 on Jan. 24, 2020, in Park City, Utah.
">James Van Der Beek stops by the WarnerMedia Lodge for "Elevating Storytelling with AT&T" during Sundance Film Festival 2020 on Jan. 24, 2020, in Park City, Utah.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/.RQk5SEoHiZRCtgYQFQh6A--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/7e3d6bf6eb89f0bc3367578336f7d394 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nTVttdbDESL5E51egHgljA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1057cbbde20cb2cd63e4fb2825aa2520 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
">James Van Der Beek attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/nTVttdbDESL5E51egHgljA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04MjY-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/1057cbbde20cb2cd63e4fb2825aa2520 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek, pictured here with his children, attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MDy_4MmVQkOh9Z3kCvyJnA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3212ff16476d41de5d6faad4968b5a class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek, pictured here with his children, attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
">James Van Der Beek, pictured here with his children, attends Operation Smile's 11th annual Celebrity Ski & Smile Challenge on April 1, 2023, in Park City, Utah.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/MDy_4MmVQkOh9Z3kCvyJnA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD04Mjg-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/0d3212ff16476d41de5d6faad4968b5a class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wWLJ2.8pGmVhmj83yeHvqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/445281e3d99bc4fdf26691ad1533e9c8 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek arrives at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025 in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/wWLJ2.8pGmVhmj83yeHvqA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD05MjA-/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/445281e3d99bc4fdf26691ad1533e9c8 class=caas-img>James Van Der Beek, Connie Britton and Benito Skinner arrive at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles.
" data-src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qAMjP_Xy17KmQdJKmntSNg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDU5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e95bcef350ce1542456e1c5d236baa3 class=caas-img data-headline="James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'" data-caption="
James Van Der Beek, Connie Britton and Benito Skinner arrive at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles.
">James Van Der Beek, Connie Britton and Benito Skinner arrive at the premiere of Prime Video Series "Overcompensating" at the Hollywood Palladium on May 14, 2025, in Los Angeles.
" src=https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/qAMjP_Xy17KmQdJKmntSNg--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTEyNDI7aD0xMDU5/https://media.zenfs.com/en/usa_today_slideshows_242/8e95bcef350ce1542456e1c5d236baa3 class=caas-img>
1 / 35James Van Der Beek's career from 'Dawson's Creek' to 'Varsity Blues'
From "Dawson's Creek" darling to "Dancing With the Stars," James Van Der Beek, who died Feb. 11 at 48, made a name for himself in film and television in the early '90s. Revisit the actor's most memorable roles and career highlights, starting with Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek."
James Van Der Beek's wife and children
Van Der Beek and Kimberly Brook met in Israel and married in the country in a small ceremony in August 2010, according to People.com. Van Der Beek recounted their first meeting in a 2020 Instagram post celebrating the couple’s 10th wedding anniversary.
Traveling with friends in Israel, Van Der Beek decided, “I was done being single. I wanted a real relationship. A soul mate. Someone with whom I could build a family,” he posted on the social media app.
“I was mid-revelation, rattling all this off to a friend of mine when a voice interrupted us, wanting to ask him a question. I was annoyed. Who the hell was stepping all over my moment? I turned around… it was (Kimberly)," he wrote. "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.”
More: 'Dawson's Creek' star James Van Der Beek dies at 48 after colorectal cancer battle
The couple welcomed six children in the years after — Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah. Olivia was born in 2010, Joshua in 2012, Annabel in 2014, Emilia in 2016, Gwendolyn in 2018 and Jeremiah in 2021.
The actor announced the births of some of the children on social media, including Emilia and Jeremiah.
Van Der Beek was previously married to actress Heather McComb.
Van Der Beek's death was announced with a post on the actor's official Instagram page. "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning," a caption of a photo of the actor read. "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."
View this post on Instagram
Past reports: James Van Der Beek opens up about weight loss amid cancer battle
GoFundMe set up to support Kimberly Van Der Beek, 6 kids
Kimberly Van Der Beek's Instagram account was linked to the post announcing the actor's death. She also linked to a GoFundMe on her Instagram story, writing, "My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart."
According to the GoFundMe description, the donated funds are set to help cover "essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education" as well as "help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives."
"In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," it reads. "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. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."
James Van Der Beek's parents, siblings
Van Der Beek is also survived by two siblings, brother Jared Van Der Beek and sister Juliana Van Der Beek. The actor posted about his siblings in the past, including in a 2019 Instagram post for his sister's birthday in which he called her "the kindest person (he'd) ever known."
"From the moment she was born, a bright, shining beacon of sweetness, optimism and joy," he wrote in the post.
Van Der Beek was the oldest of three children to his parents Melinda and Jim Van Der Beek, according to the actor's IMDB biography. Van Der Beek's mother worked as a gymnastics studio owner and Broadway dancer while his father was a cell phone company executive, according to the biography.
USA TODAY's Brendan Morrow, Edward Segarra Erin Jensen Kelly Lawler and Jay Stahl contributed to this report.
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected] or on X @katecperez_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: James Van Der Beek leaves behind wife, 6 kids. More about his family.
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
