"Dawson, Rest in Peace"... James Van Der Beek Passes Away at 48 After Battling Colon Cancer

The hero of the drama 'Dawson's Creek', which thrilled the hearts of youth around the world in the 1990s, James Van Der Beek, has passed away at the young age of 48 after battling cancer.

According to local media on the 12th (Korean time), James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly Van Der Beek announced on Instagram, "Surrounded by the love of family, my husband peacefully closed his eyes on the 11th."

◆ "I believed I was healthy"

The late actor was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in August 2023. The shock was greater because he enjoyed cold plunges and was confident in his cardiovascular health. In his last interview with the Today Show, he recalled, "I thought I was healthy and in great shape, but I had no idea that cancer was growing inside me." Although he had changes in bowel habits, he dismissed them as simply due to coffee. He stated, "I had a check-up at 46, but if I had followed the recommendation for screening at 45, early detection would have been possible," and he has been advocating for the importance of early colonoscopies to the public.

◆ The sadness of losing 'Dawson' and the reality left behind

He rose to stardom by playing the lead role of Dawson Leery in 'Dawson's Creek', which aired from 1998 to 2003, and appeared in many works such as 'Varsity Blues' and 'Texas Rangers'. However, behind his glamorous career lay a harsh reality. As a husband to Kimberly and father of six, he reportedly faced financial difficulties due to his long battle with illness.

Wife Kimberly started a GoFundMe campaign for the family immediately after her husband's death. She appealed for help, stating, "The family is facing a significant financial crisis due to enormous medical bills and treatment costs." The lonely end of a Hollywood star and the story of the large family left behind have led to an outpouring of condolences and support from fellow actors and fans.