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His death followed a battle with colorectal cancer that he had publicly discussed beginning in 2024. News of his passing quickly prompted an outpouring of grief from friends, fellow performers and fans who remembered not only his most famous roles but also the warmth and humor he brought to his work and public life. euronews+1
The Role That Made Him a Star
Van Der Beek rose to international fame playing Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, the coming-of-age drama that became one of the defining television shows of the late 1990s and early 2000s.TV & Video
As Dawson, he portrayed an ambitious young filmmaker navigating friendship, romance, heartbreak and the complicated transition into adulthood. The character’s emotional openness helped make the series resonate with viewers, while Van Der Beek’s performance made him one of the most recognizable young actors of his generation.
His career also included prominent roles in films such as Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction. Later, he demonstrated his willingness to move beyond the image established by his early success, taking on comedic and dramatic roles across television and film. Hollywood Reporter+1