The entertainment world mourns the loss of actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away at age 48 this Wednesday after a public two-year battle with colorectal cancer. In a poignant postscript to his career, his final television project is set for release this summer, offering fans a last glimpse of his talent.
A Legacy Project: 'Elle' Series on Prime Video
Van Der Beek completed filming last year for a high-profile new TV series titled 'Elle', which serves as a prequel to the beloved 'Legally Blonde' movie franchise originally starring Reese Witherspoon. The series, produced by Witherspoon herself, features Lexi Minetree portraying a young Elle Woods. Van Der Beek took on a supporting role as Dean Wilson, a character described as a mayoral candidate and school district superintendent.
He shot his scenes in May 2025, and the series is scheduled to premiere exclusively on Prime Video on July 1, 2026. The cast also includes notable actors Tom Everett Scott, known for 'The Summer I Turned Pretty', and June Diane Raphael, famous for her role in 'Grace And Frankie'.
Family and Community Response
Van Der Beek's loved ones confirmed his passing in an emotional Instagram post, stating: 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.'
The post quickly garnered support from celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis, who all liked the announcement within minutes. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: daughters Olivia (15), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), and Gwendolyn (7), along with sons Joshua (13) and Jeremiah (4).
Financial Support and Career Highlights
A GoFundMe page was launched on Wednesday to assist Van Der Beek's family, with an initial goal of $500,000 to cover essential living expenses, bills, and the children's education. Kimberly shared on her Instagram Stories: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.' The campaign saw overwhelming support, raising over $100,000 within just one hour of the news breaking.
Van Der Beek first announced his stage three colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024. His last Instagram post was on January 25, where he appeared slender but healthy while wishing his daughter and father a happy birthday. In recent years, he had moved with his family from Los Angeles to Austin, Texas, seeking a simpler life on a ranch.
Rise to Fame and Diverse Roles
James Van Der Beek shot to fame in the late 1990s as Dawson Leery, the teen heartthrob on the WB Network's hit drama 'Dawson's Creek', which aired from 1998 to 2003. The show launched the careers of co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson, with Van Der Beek portraying the central character whose friendships and romances captivated audiences.
Born and raised in Cheshire, Connecticut, he began acting at age 13 after a football concussion sidelined him for a year. His early theater work included roles in an off-Broadway production of Edward Albee's 'Finding the Sun' and a revival of 'Shenandoah' at the Goodspeed Opera House. He left Drew University early after landing 'Dawson's Creek', though he returned in 2024 to receive an honorary degree for his service and commitment.
Beyond his iconic role, Van Der Beek showcased versatility in films like 'Varsity Blues' (1999), 'Rules Of Attraction' (2002), and 'Downsizing' (2017), as well as TV appearances on 'How I Met Your Mother', 'Law & Order: SVU', and the sitcom 'Apartment 23', where he played a fictionalized version of himself. His career spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on both television and film.
