‘Varsity Blues’ star James Van Der Beek tragically dies at 48
Reports have surfaced that actor James Van Der Beek, who had starring roles in projects like Varsity Blues and Dawson’s Creek, passed away at the age of 48. The entertainment star had been battling colorectal cancer, which was revealed as early as 2024.
In 2024, Van Der Beek joined Good Morning America and discussed his colorectal cancer diagnosis. He was obviously very emotional, even more so when he praised his wife, whom he had been married to for over 15 years, for supporting him the whole way through.
It was reported that he was scheduled to reunite with the Dawson’s Creek cast but had to back out due to health issues.
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Van Der Beek officially began acting in 1993 when he was cast for a role in Clarissa Explains It All in one episode for the role of Paulie. He went on to star in dozens of television and film roles.
May 19, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; James Van Der Beek throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the MLB game between the San Diego Padres and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images
He earned Teen Choice and MTV Movie Awards for his role as Jonathon “Mox” Moxon in Varsity Blues. His most recent film work was through a Tubi Original’s Sidelined 2: Intercepted, where he starred as Leroy Lahey
Van Der Beek passed away at the age of 48, survived by his wife and six children.
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