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James Van Der Beek’s career spanned TV, film and streaming hits — and his performances shaped a generation.
As In Touch previously reported, the 48-year-old actor lost his battle to stage 3 colorectal cancer on Wednesday, February 11. In his honor, we look back at five unforgettable roles that defined the Dancing With the Stars alum’s legacy.
Dawson Leery – Dawson’s Creek
His breakout role as sensitive dreamer Dawson made Van Der Beek a defining face in the late ’90s. The teen drama — which ran for 6 seasons from 1998 to 2003, and co-starred Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson and Michelle Williams — catapulted him to stardom. His heartfelt portrayal of Dawson set the emotional tone for the cultural phenomenon that followed.
Jonathan “Mox” Moxon – Varsity Blues
As conflicted quarterback Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, Van Der Beek delivered a charismatic, grounded performance that helped turn the 1999 football drama into a cult classic. His iconic “I don’t want your life” scene cemented the film’s place in pop culture — and remains an ever-present meme in modern-day social media.
Sean Bateman – The Rules of Attraction
Playing a darker, more complex character in the 2002 hit, Van Der Beek stunned audiences with his sharp, unsettling turn in this Bret Easton Ellis adaptation. The film showcased his dramatic range beyond teen idol-status.
Elijah Mundo – CSI: Cyber
Starring as hunky FBI agent Elijah Mundo from 2015 to 2016, Van Der Beek showed off his action-drama chops, bringing grit and intensity to the high-tech crime series.
Steven Morgan – Taken in Broad Daylight
In this 2009 true crime thriller, he played kidnapper Steven Morgan with chilling realism. The performance showed the breadth of his acting ability as he inhabited the unsettling character.
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Sheena Wright
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