James Van Der Beek Biography: Parents, Movies, TV Shows, Wife, Instagram, Children, Net Worth, Siblings, Age

James Van Der Beek is an American actor, who rose to prominence in the late 1990s for his portrayal of Dawson Leery on the television series “Dawson’s Creek.”

This role resonated with audiences and established him as a notable figure in the entertainment industry. Beyond this iconic character, Van Der Beek has showcased his versatility through various roles in film, television, and theater.

Profile

• Full name: James David Van Der Beek
• Date of birth: March 8, 1977
• Age: 48 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Cheshire, Connecticut, USA
• State of origin: Connecticut
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Actor
• Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
• Parents: Melinda (née Weber) Van Der Beek (mother), Jim Van Der Beek (father)
• Siblings: Jared Van Der Beek (brother), Juliana Van Der Beek (sister)
• Spouse: Kimberly Brook (married August 1, 2010)
• Children: Olivia Van Der Beek, Joshua Van Der Beek, Annabel Leah Van Der Beek, Emilia Van Der Beek, Gwendolyn Van Der Beek, Jeremiah Van Der Beek
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: N/A
• Ethnicity: N/A
• Net worth: $8 million

Early Life and Education

At 48 years old, James David Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, USA. He is the eldest of three children to Melinda Van Der Beek, a former Broadway dancer and gymnastics studio owner, and Jim Van Der Beek, a cellular phone company executive. He has a brother, Jared, born in 1979, and a sister, Juliana, born in 1981.

Growing up in a supportive environment, Van Der Beek attended Cheshire Academy, where he balanced academics with his burgeoning interest in acting. He later enrolled at Drew University but left to pursue acting full-time.

Personal Life

James Van Der Beek married Kimberly Brook on August 1, 2010. The couple has six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel Leah, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

The family relocated to Texas, seeking a serene environment to raise their children. Van Der Beek often shares insights into his family life, emphasizing the joys and challenges of parenthood.

Career

Van Der Beek‘s career began with theater roles before he gained fame as Dawson Leery on “Dawson’s Creek” (1998–2003). He expanded his repertoire with films like “Varsity Blues” (1999) and “The Rules of Attraction” (2002).

On television, he portrayed a satirical version of himself in “Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23” (2012–2013) and starred in “CSI: Cyber” (2015–2016). His versatility has been evident across genres and mediums.

Net Worth

James Van Der Beek‘s net worth is estimated to be around $8 million as of 2024, accumulated through his extensive work in television, film, and theater.

Controversy

Throughout his career, James Van Der Beek has largely maintained a positive public image. However, he has faced challenges and controversies, particularly concerning his health and personal experiences within the entertainment industry.

In November 2024, Van Der Beek publicly revealed his diagnosis of stage three colorectal cancer. This announcement came as a surprise to many fans and colleagues, as he had kept his health struggles private until then.

The actor shared that he had been undergoing treatment and was focusing on his recovery with the support of his family. This revelation sparked widespread discussions about the importance of regular health screenings and brought attention to colorectal cancer awareness.

In addition to his health battle, Van Der Beek has been vocal about his experiences with sexual harassment in Hollywood. In 2017, amid the #MeToo movement, he disclosed that he had been subjected to inappropriate behavior by older, powerful men in the industry during his younger years.

While he did not name the individuals involved, his admission shed light on the pervasive issue of harassment in the entertainment industry and contributed to broader conversations about power dynamics and misconduct.

Social Media

• Instagram: @vanderjames
• Twitter: @vanderjames

Filmography

• Varsity Blues (1999) – Jonathan “Mox” Moxon
• The Rules of Attraction (2002) – Sean Bateman
• Texas Rangers (2001) – Lincoln Rogers Dunnison
• Formosa Betrayed (2009) – Jake Kelly
• Labor Day (2013) – Gerald
• Downsizing (2017) – Anesthesiologist