James Van Der Beek – Pop Quest

Who is James Van Der Beek?

Born: 8 March 1977
Status: Deceased (died 11 February 2026)

James Van Der Beek is an accomplished American actor best known for his iconic role as Dawson Leery on the popular television series Dawson's Creek. The show, which aired from the late 1990s to early 2000s, solidified his status as a teenage heartthrob and a staple of 90s pop culture.

In addition to his work on Dawson's Creek, Van Der Beek showcased his versatility by taking on various roles in film and television. He starred in the critically acclaimed film The Rules of Attraction and the cult classic Varsity Blues. More recently, he played a fictionalized version of himself in the sitcom Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and appeared as FBI agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber.

Known for:

Dawson's Creek
The Rules of Attraction
Varsity Blues

James Van Der Beek net worth

Estimated net worth: unknown

James Van Der Beek’s net worth is a bit of a mystery, with estimates based on public reporting ranging widely. The actor, best known for his iconic role as Dawson on Dawson's Creek, has also dabbled in various other projects, including Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and CSI: Cyber.

While some sources suggest he may be in the ballpark of several million, fluctuations in earnings from acting, producing, and appearances can cause these numbers to vary significantly.

Why is James Van Der Beek on our radar?

As of 15 Feb 2026 22:18 GMT: James Van Der Beek is trending in a huge way, following the tragic news of his passing. James Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026. Fans and fellow stars alike are taking to social media to express their condolences, and naturally, the press is buzzing with tributes and memories.

<pIn the past week alone, there have been 50 news articles discussing his life and legacy, showing just how impactful he was in pop culture. From his iconic role as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek to his self-deprecating humor in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, there’s plenty to reminisce about.

<pThe spikes in coverage aren’t just about his passing; they reflect the deep affection many feel for him. For a full view, check out the latest discussion on Reddit and more coverage in tabloids like TMZ and the New York Post to see how fans are honoring his memory.

Disclosure: This is a pop-culture game/metric. Not financial advice. Rankings/prices are generated from automated attention metrics.