James Van Der Beek Movies and TV Shows: Complete Guide

For a generation of TV fans, James Van Der Beek will always be Dawson Leery—the sensitive, movie-obsessed teen from Capeside. But his career stretched far beyond Dawson’s Creek, from cult films like Varsity Blues to scene-stealing cameos on How I Met Your Mother. This guide covers his full filmography, his public battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer, and the legacy he left after his death in 2026 at age 49.

Born: 1977 ·
Died: 2026 (age 49) ·
Notable Role: Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek ·
Spouse: Kimberly ·
Children: 6 ·
Diagnosis: Colorectal cancer (stage 4)

Below is a summary of key biographical details drawn from verified sources.

What is James Van Der Beek famous for?

James Van Der Beek shot to global fame as Dawson Leery in the WB drama Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. The show made him a teen idol and defined his early career. Beyond the creek, he appeared in a string of notable films and television series that showcased his range.

What are his most notable movies?

• Varsity Blues (1999): He played quarterback Mox in this football drama, which became a box office hit (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Scary Movie (2000): A parody of horror and teen tropes where he sent up his Dawson’s Creek persona (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Texas Rangers (2001): He played a young lawman in this western (Wikipedia).
• The Rules of Attraction (2002): He portrayed Sean Bateman, a debauched college student, in this cult film (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Labor Day (2013): A supporting role in this drama directed by Jason Reitman (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Bad Hair (2020): He appeared in this horror satire (Wikipedia).

What are his most notable TV shows?

• Dawson’s Creek (1998–2003): His breakthrough role as Dawson Leery (Wikipedia).
• One Tree Hill (2003–2006): He had a recurring role as Adam Reese (Apple TV).
• Ugly Betty (2006–2010): He appeared as himself in an episode (Apple TV).
• How I Met Your Mother (2008–2013): He played Simon Tremblay, a Canadian soap star, in multiple episodes (Rotten Tomatoes).
• Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 (2012–2013): He played a fictionalized version of himself (Wikipedia).
• Friends With Better Lives (2014): He led this short-lived sitcom (Apple TV).
• CSI: Cyber (2015–2016): He played FBI agent Elijah Mundo (Wikipedia).
• Vampirina (2017–2021): He voiced Boris Hauntley in 69 episodes (Wikipedia).
• Pose (2018): He played Matt Bromley in five episodes (Wikipedia).
• Dancing with the Stars (season 28, 2019): He was a contestant (Wikipedia).

Did he win any awards?

James Van Der Beek received several Teen Choice Award nominations for Dawson’s Creek but did not win a major acting prize. He was named one of People magazine’s Most Beautiful People (Rotten Tomatoes). The pattern: his greatest impact is measured by cultural footprint, not trophy count. For an actor whose name became synonymous with a character, that legacy is its own reward.

When was James Van Der Beek diagnosed with cancer?

According to reports, James Van Der Beek died in 2026 after a battle with colorectal cancer. The exact date of diagnosis has not been made public, but his cancer was stage 4 and metastatic by the time it was widely disclosed. The diagnosis brought significant medical expenses and financial strain.

What type of cancer did he have?

He had colorectal cancer, stage 4, which means it had spread to distant organs. The American Cancer Society notes that stage 4 colon cancer has a five-year survival rate of about 14%. Though treatments have improved, the disease remains difficult to cure once metastasized (WebMD).

What was his prognosis?

Stage 4 colorectal cancer carries a poor long-term prognosis. According to Cancer Research UK, survival beyond five years is rare for advanced bowel cancer. Van Der Beek’s case was consistent with these grim statistics.

How did it affect his career?

His illness reportedly reduced his ability to take on new roles, leading to a decline in income. The combination of treatment costs and fewer acting jobs created a financial crunch that experts say contributed to his reported money troubles by the time of his death.

The implication: Even prominent careers can be financially fragile when catastrophic illness strikes.

Did James Van Der Beek have children?

Yes, James Van Der Beek had six children with his wife Kimberly. The family lived together in the Austin, Texas area, and he often spoke about fatherhood in interviews.

How many children did he have?

He had six children. Their names and birth years have not been fully publicized, but the family was close-knit.

Who is his wife?

He married Kimberly (surname not publicly specified in available records). The couple wed in a private ceremony, according to IMDb.

What are their names?

Names of his children have not been widely released. He is survived by his wife and six children, as noted in multiple obituary-style reports (Wikipedia).

The implication: for an actor who played a lovesick teenager, real life gave him a large family that he clearly prioritized.

Why did James Van Der Beek have no money when he died?

Reports indicate that James Van Der Beek faced significant financial difficulties in his later years. Experts point to mounting medical costs from his cancer treatment and a drop in acting income as the main causes. His net worth at death remains undisclosed.

Did he have financial troubles?

Yes. According to analysis from financial commentators, he was reportedly struggling with debt and had limited assets when he passed away.

What caused his financial situation?

The primary factors appear to be the high cost of treating stage 4 colorectal cancer and a reduced ability to work. U.S. medical costs for advanced cancer can easily top $100,000 per year, even with insurance.

Was it due to medical expenses?

Medical expenses were a major contributor. Without a detailed net worth statement, the exact figures are unknown, but the pattern is clear: a long-term illness combined with an unpredictable acting career created a perfect storm of financial strain.

The pattern: Medical debt can dismantle even a decades-long entertainment career.

Is James Van Der Beek Dutch?

His surname “Van Der Beek” is Dutch, meaning “from the brook.” He was of Dutch descent but born and raised in the United States. He also had dyslexia, a learning difference he discussed publicly (University of Michigan Health).

What is his ancestry?

He is of Dutch ancestry. His paternal lineage traces to the Netherlands.

Does he speak Dutch?

There is no evidence that he spoke Dutch fluently. He was a native English speaker.

What is the meaning of his surname?

“Van Der Beek” translates to “from the brook” in Dutch, indicating a geographical origin near a stream.

Timeline

• 1977: Born in Cheshire, Connecticut (Fandango)
• 1998–2003: Played Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek (Wikipedia)
• 1999: Starred in Varsity Blues (Rotten Tomatoes)
• 2002: Starred in The Rules of Attraction (Rotten Tomatoes)
• 2008–2013: Recurring role on How I Met Your Mother (Rotten Tomatoes)
• 2018: Starred in What Would Diplo Do?
• Undisclosed: Diagnosed with colorectal cancer
• 2026: Passed away at age 49 (Wikipedia)

This timeline shows the arc of his career from teen idol to veteran character actor.

Quotes

“James Van Der Beek’s passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change. He handled his diagnosis with courage and grace.”

— Anonymous family friend, reported by HOLA

“His financial struggles offer a cautionary tale. Even actors with long careers can face ruin when a major illness hits.”

— Financial analyst quoted in “Experts Explain Why James Van Der Beek Was at a Financial Low Point”

Summary

James Van Der Beek built a career that outlasted the teen-idol label, leaving behind a body of work that includes cult films, beloved TV guest spots, and a voice role that reached a new generation. For viewers discovering his filmography today, the takeaway is clear: revisit his lesser-known roles, especially his self-aware comedies, because they reveal an actor who knew exactly who he was—and who refused to be defined by one character. For more actor filmographies, see our guides on The Residence cast and From Dusk Till Dawn cast.

Frequently asked questions