James Van Der Beek, beloved actor and star of the cult-classic teen drama Dawson’s Creek, passed away on February 11, 2026, at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Known for his heartfelt performances and versatility, Van Der Beek left his mark on television and film. His roles ranged from the introspective Dawson Leery to over-the-top versions of himself and action-packed characters, showcasing his wide-ranging talent.
We’re celebrating his legacy by revisiting his most memorable roles. From the groundbreaking Pose to the cult classic Varsity Blues, Van Der Beek’s work resonated with audiences across generations. As we reflect on his career, we honor the joy and inspiration he brought to fans worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the roles that defined his journey and continue to keep his memory alive.
Dawson’s Creek
From 1998 to 2003, James Van Der Beek was on every teenager’s television set. In Dawson’s Creek, he played Dawson Leery, a high schooler who dreamed of being a movie director. The show followed Dawson and his close friends as they grew up in a small town. This role made him a household name and was a huge hit in the late '90s.
Dawson's Creek was a defining show for many teenagers and young adults. It was known for its smart dialogue and emotional stories about friendship and love. You can watch all six seasons of the show on streaming services like Hulu, Disney+, and Tubi.
Varsity Blues
In this popular 1999 football movie, Van Der Beek played Jonathan "Mox" Moxon. He was a smart backup quarterback who didn't care much about football until the star player got injured. He had to step up and lead his team while dealing with a tough coach.
The movie was a big hit and became a classic sports film for its time. It explored themes of pressure and finding your own path. It’s a memorable role that showed a different side of the actor. You can stream Varsity Blues on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
The Rules of Attraction
Van Der Beek played a college student named Sean Bateman in this 2002 dark comedy. It was a big change from his earlier roles. The movie follows a love triangle between Sean and two other students at a New England college, showing a wilder side of campus life.
This role showed that he could play more complex and darker characters. The movie gained a cult following for its unique style and story. You can find The Rules of Attraction streaming on Prime Video and Tubi, among other platforms.
Castle in the Sky
Many people know this classic animated movie from director Hayao Miyazaki. In the 2003 English-language version, James Van Der Beek provided the voice for the main character, Pazu. Pazu is a brave young boy who helps a mysterious girl protect a magical crystal from pirates and spies.
His voice work helped bring the adventurous and kind-hearted character of Pazu to life for an American audience. The film is considered a masterpiece of animation. You can watch Castle in the Sky with his voice performance on HBO Max.
Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23
In this comedy series, Van Der Beek played a hilarious, fictionalized version of himself from 2012 to 2014. As the best friend of the main character, Chloe, he was an over-the-top actor trying to stay famous. He wasn't afraid to make fun of his own image from Dawson's Creek.
This role earned him a new generation of fans and was praised for being so funny. It showed his comedic talent and that he didn’t take himself too seriously. The show was a cult favorite and is available to purchase on Prime Video.
CSI: Cyber
In this 2015 spin-off of the popular CSI franchise, Van Der Beek starred as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo. His character was a battlefield forensics expert who joined a team of cyber-crime investigators. He worked alongside stars like Patricia Arquette to solve high-tech crimes.
This role allowed him to play a tough, action-hero type. The show explored crimes involving the internet and technology, making it a unique entry in the CSI universe. CSI: Cyber is currently available to rent or buy on services like Apple TV and Prime Video.
Pose
In the first season of the groundbreaking series Pose, Van Der Beek had a supporting role as Matt Bromley. In 2018, He played the boss of one of the main characters, Stan Bowes. His character was a successful and powerful man working in New York City in the 1980s.
The show was praised for its depiction of New York's ballroom culture and its diverse cast. Van Der Beek's part, though smaller, placed him within a critically acclaimed and important series. You can stream Pose on Fandango at Home, Tubi, and Pluto TV.
