James Van Der Beek death latest: Busy Phillips, Chad Michael Murray and Lin Manuel Miranda remember beloved Dawson’s Creek star

James Van Der Beek first announced his diagnosis with stage three colorectal cancer in November 2024.

Colorectal cancer is a type of cancer that starts in either the colon or the rectum, which are both parts of the large intestine in the body’s digestive system.

It is the deadliest cancer among people under 50 in the U.S.

The GoFundMe for James Van Der Beek’s family has raised over $315,000 of its $500,000 goal, meaning the amount has tripled in about an hour and a half.

A family friend launched the fundraiser to support Kimberly and their six kids. James was raising money for his cancer treatment before his death by auctioning off his memorabilia.

Dawson’s Creek actor Busy Phillips has shared an emotional tribute to James Van Der Beek on Instagram.

“My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister,” Phillips wrote.

“But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and i’ll put the link in my stories.

“James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and i don’t know what else to say. i am just so so sad. He was my friend and i loved him and i’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”

Rosie O’Donnell has shared a brief tribute to James Van Der Beek on Instagram, simply writing: “too soon too young.”

While Van Der Beek was starring on Dawson’s Creek in 2001, he made an appearance on The Rosie O’Donnell Show during one of his press runs.

Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough has paid tribute to James Van Der Beek by sharing a video that the late actor posted.

“My heart is heavy hearing about James’ passing,” Hough wrote. “I immediately thought of this video he shared , it moved me to tears the first time I saw it, and it moves me even more now.”

He continued, “I wanted to honor his memory by sharing.What a wise, thoughtful, loving man. Thank you, James, for your courage, your strength, and for sharing your light even in your darkest moments.

“Praying for his wife, his beautiful children, and his family. Thank you James.”

Hamilton star Lin Manuel Miranda, who filled in for James Van Der Beek when stomach viruses prevented him from attending the Dawson’s Creek reunion charity reading in September, posted an Instagram Story sending his love to Kimberly and their children Wednesday.

“My whole heart is with [the Van Der Beek family] today,” Miranda wrote.

WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler has paid tribute to her longtime friend James Van Der Beek in an Instagram post.

She captioned a picture of her kneeling next to Van Der Beek’s wheelchair and smiling up at him, in part, “Spending these final days with you has been a true gift from God.
I have never been so present in my life.”

James Van Der Beek’s former Dancing with the Stars partner Emma Slater commented on Kimberly’s post, “I’m so devastated.”

“He is and will always be family to me,” she wrote. “Love you so much, James. The man that you are, you can be proud of. So grateful that I got to be there to say goodbye to you.”

Slater and Van Der Beek competed on the dancing competition together during season 28 in 2019. The pair finished in fifth place.

The Colorectal Cancer Alliance in Washington, D.C. shared a statement mourning James Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in the years before his death.

“The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is deeply saddened by the passing of James Van Der Beek at the age of 48 following his battle with colorectal cancer,” the organization said.

“James was more than a beloved actor and cultural icon to millions who grew up watching him on screen — he was also a devoted husband, father, and advocate who faced his diagnosis with courage and openness.

“The Alliance partnered with FOX to bring awareness to James’ colorectal cancer diagnosis on The Real Full Monty in December of 2024. By sharing parts of his journey, he helped shine a light on a disease that too often remains stigmatized or overlooked, particularly among younger adults.”

The group said that colorectal cancer, the deadliest cancer among people under 50, receives less funding than other major cancers.

“In recent years, we have seen an alarming rise in diagnoses among people under 50 — a reminder that this disease does not discriminate and that awareness, timely screening, increased funding, accelerated science, and access to care are critical.”

The message continued, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to James’s wife, their six children, and all who loved him. We honor the strength he demonstrated throughout his journey and the humanity he showed in sharing it.”

In conclusion, the Alliance urged people to talk to their doctors about screening for colorectal cancer at age 45 or sooner for high risk individuals.

“Through Project Cure CRC, the Alliance remains committed to ending this disease in our lifetime. We honor James’ life and legacy, and we stand with every family impacted by colorectal cancer.”

James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their two sons and four daughters together.