Overview James David Van Der Beek (born March 8, 1977) is an American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the television series “Dawson’s Creek.” He has also appeared in various films and television shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Early Life Van Der Beek was born in Cheshire, Connecticut, to Melinda (née Weber), a former dancer and gymnastics teacher, and James William Van Der Beek, a cellular phone company executive and former minor league baseball pitcher. He has Dutch, German, English, Scots-Irish, and French ancestry. Van Der Beek developed an interest in acting at a young age and began performing in local theater productions.
Career Van Der Beek’s breakthrough role came in 1998 when he was cast as Dawson Leery in the WB television series “Dawson’s Creek.” The show was a critical and commercial success, making him a household name. He continued to work in television and film, taking on diverse roles that showcased his range as an actor.
Some of his notable film credits include “Varsity Blues” (1999), “The Rules of Attraction” (2002), and “Texas Rangers” (2001). He also played a fictionalized version of himself on the ABC sitcom “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” (2012–2013) and starred as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo on “CSI: Cyber” (2015–2016). More recently, he appeared as Matt Bromley on the FX drama “Pose” (2018).
Personal Life Van Der Beek has been married twice. He was first married to actress Heather McComb from 2003 to 2010. In 2010, he married Kimberly Brook, and the couple has six children together. Van Der Beek is known for his dedication to his family and often shares glimpses of his personal life on social media.
Health In November 2024, Van Der Beek revealed that he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He has been open about his journey and has received support from fans and fellow actors.
Awards and Recognition Throughout his career, Van Der Beek has received several awards and nominations, including an MTV Movie Award for Best Breakthrough Performance for “Varsity Blues” and a Teen Choice Award for Breakout Performance.
