From teenage heartthrob to beloved father, husband, and enduring entertainer, James Van Der Beek left an indelible mark on pop culture. Best known for his breakout role in ‘Dawson’s Creek’, he grew up before our eyes from young actor to devoted family man, advocate, and seasoned performer. Ahead, see his life in photos.
1995 ©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection
1995 ©New Line Cinema/Courtesy Everett Collection
1999 ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
1999 ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
1999 ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
1999 ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection
2001 ©Dimension Films/Courtesy Everett Collection
2002 ©Lions Gate/Courtesy Everett Collection
2005 ©Freestyle Releasing/Courtesy Everett Collection
2005 ©Freestyle Releasing/Courtesy Everett Collection
2009 Screen Media Films/Courtesy Everett Collection
2009 Screen Media Films/Courtesy Everett Collection
2013 CBS via Getty Images
2013 CBS via Getty Images
2017 ©Paramount/Courtesy Everett Collection / Everett Collection
2018 Getty Images for The Trevor Project
2019 ABC via Getty Images
2019 ABC via Getty Images
2020 Penske Media via Getty Images
2022 vanderjames/Instagram
2023 vanderjames/Instagram
2024 James Van Der Beek/Instagram
2024 Instagram/vanderjames
2025 vanderjames/Instagram
2025 vanderkimberly/Instagram
