James Van Der Beek, star of 'Dawson's Creek,' dies at 48

Pallade Veneta - James Van Der Beek, star of 'Dawson's Creek,' dies at 48

James Van Der Beek, star of 'Dawson's Creek,' dies at 48 / Photo: Robyn Beck - AFP/File

US actor James Van Der Beek, the star of the American TV series "Dawson's Creek," died on Wednesday at age 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

Change text size:

"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," read a post on his Instagram page.

Van Der Beek, who was married and had six children, announced his cancer diagnosis in 2024.

He was best known for playing Dawson, the lead character of the eponymous 1998-2003 teen drama that followed a group of friends living in a small Massachusetts town.

While he also had roles in the films "Varsity Blues" and "The Rules of Attraction," Van Der Beek never truly established himself in cinema as he struggled to separate himself from the legacy of "Dawson's Creek."

But the actor insisted he was happy with his career path.

"Overall, I've worn my past with pride rather than seeing it as something to get rid of," he told celebrity site Page Six in 2011.

Wednesday's Instagram post showed a picture of Van Der Beek wearing a white top and cardigan. It was also shared by his wife Kimberly.

"There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come," the post added.

"For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Z.Ottaviano--PV

Worcestershire road closures announced for Remembrance Sunday events

MOTORISTS are being warned to expect road closures across Worcestershire this weekend as towns and villages come together to mark Remembrance Sunday. A number of parades and services will take place this Sunday (November 8), giving residents the opportunity to remember members of the Armed Forces who have served and lost their lives in wars and other conflicts.

Kuwait marks key events and anniversaries from national history

KUWAIT: Following are events that took place in Kuwait on November 4: 1984 — Poet Abdullah Al-Sanan, whose poems reflected social, economic and political changes, died at the age of 67. 1990 — Syrian forces arrived in the Saudi port of Yanbu to join the international coalition troops stationed in Saudi Arabia to liberate Kuwait from the Iraqi occupation.

Qatar media bodies discuss support for humanitarian initiatives

Qatar Media Corporation, in collaboration with the Regulatory Authority for Charitable Activities (RACA), organized a seminar titled 'Developmental Media and Philanthropic Work: A Partnership for Sustainable Impact' to mark World Development Information Day. The event featured the participation of a distinguished group of media professionals, experts, and representatives from various charitable and humanitarian organizations and associations in Qatar.

Vessel operator seeks witnesses after Vancouver grounding

VANCOUVER — The operator of a vessel that ran aground on a sandbar off Vancouver last month says “malicious” tampering was the cause and he’s urging witnesses to come forward. Kevin Skewes, the owner of Spirit Cruises, says someone hit the Pride of Vancouver’s kill switch on the night of Oct.