James Van Der Beek
Actor · Writer · Executive Producer · Creator
Born Mar 8, 1977 · Cheshire, Connecticut, USA
Active 1991–2026
James Van Der Beek (March 8, 1977 – February 11, 2026) was an American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leary on the television series Dawson's Creek.
Filmography
Overcompensating (2025) - CharlieThe Gates (2026) - JacobSidelined 2: Intercepted (2025) - Leroy LaheyHow I Met Your Mother (2005) - Simon TremblayCriminal Minds (2005) - Tobias HankelLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) - Sean AlbertModern Family (2009) - Bo JohnsonScary Movie (2000) - Dawson Leary (uncredited)POSE (2018) - MattLabor Day (2013) - Officer TreadwellOne Tree Hill (2003) - Adam ReeseJay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001) - James Van Der Beek (uncredited)Medium (2005) - Dylan HoytDawson's Creek (1998) - Dawson LeeryLaw & Order: Criminal Intent (2001) - Rex TamlynDownsizing (2017) - AnesthesiologistWalker (2021) - New NeighbourThe Robot Chicken: Star Wars (2007) - Bush's Aide (voice) (archive sound)Clarissa Explains It All (1991) - PaulieThe Rules of Attraction (2002) - Sean BatemanDon't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012) - James Van Der BeekVarsity Blues (1999) - Jonathan 'Mox' MoxonUgly Betty (2006) - Luke CarnesSidelined: The QB and Me (2025) - Leroy Lahey