🌟 James Van Der Beek – American Actor 🌟
Basic Information Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | James David Van Der Beek 🎭 |
| Date of Birth | March 8, 1977 🗓️ |
| Birthplace | Cheshire, Connecticut, USA 🇺🇸 |
| Profession | American Actor ⭐ |
| Debut | Off-Broadway in “Finding the Sun” (1993), Film in “Angus” (1995) 🎬 |
| Famous Roles | Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, Johnny “Mox” Moxon in Varsity Blues, Sean Bateman in The Rules of Attraction, Elijah Mundo in CSI: Cyber, Matt Bromley in Pose 🔥 |
| Marital Status | Married to Kimberly Brook since 2010 💍 |
| Children | Six: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Jeremiah 👨👩👧👦 |
| Hobbies | Family time, a cappella singing, yoga and meditation, outdoor activities on his Texas ranch 🌳 |
| Education | Attended Cheshire Academy and Drew University (English major, dropped out for acting) 📚 |
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) 📏 |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces ♓ |
| Ethnicity | Dutch, German, English, Scots-Irish, French 🧬 |
| Early Career Influence | Football injury at age 13 led him to pursue acting 🏈➡️🎭 |
| Recent Projects | Appeared in “Overcompensating” (2025), upcoming “Elle” (2026) 📺 |
Net Worth Section
💰 Total Wealth: As of 2025, James Van Der Beek’s net worth is approximately $6 million, reflecting his successful career in television, film, and strategic financial decisions that have solidified his wealth over the years. 🌟
📈 Income Sources: His wealth stems primarily from acting, with significant earnings from Dawson’s Creek ($125,000 per episode in later seasons), films like Varsity Blues ($200,000), and Texas Rangers ($3 million). He also earns from guest roles in Criminal Minds, voice acting in Vampirina, and creating/starring in What Would Diplo Do?. Endorsements, such as his Guardant Health partnership for cancer awareness, and residuals from streaming platforms add to his income. 🤑
🏠 Assets: James owns a $4 million-valued Beverly Hills home (purchased for $2.5 million in 2013) and rents a 36-acre ranch in Austin, Texas, for his family. He sold a Valley Village property for $1.15 million in 2014. Luxury items and vehicles are part of his portfolio, though details are private. 🚗✨
Lesser-Known Facts Table
| Fact Number | Lesser-Known Fact |
|---|---|
| 1 | A football concussion at 13 pushed James from sports to theater, sparking his acting career with local productions. 🏈🎭 |
| 2 | He studied English at Drew University on a scholarship but left after Dawson’s Creek was picked up. 📖➡️📺 |
| 3 | At 16, he debuted off-Broadway in Edward Albee’s “Finding the Sun,” earning early critical praise. 🌟 |
| 4 | He voiced Boris Hauntley in Disney Junior’s Vampirina (2017–2021), showcasing his animation talents. 🧛♂️ |
| 5 | James co-created and starred in Viceland’s “What Would Diplo Do?” (2017), earning critical acclaim. 🎥 |
| 6 | Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2024, he’s raising awareness while continuing to act. ❤️🩹 |
| 7 | In 2020, he moved his family to a Texas ranch for a nature-focused, private lifestyle. 🏞️ |
| 8 | James and Kimberly shared their two miscarriages publicly, supporting others facing similar losses. 🤰 |
11 Interesting Facts
1. 🌟 James Van Der Beek’s breakout as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek made him a teen idol, inspiring young filmmakers; he left college after landing the role, a bold move that led to six seasons of fame and a lasting legacy in pop culture. (46 words)
2. 🎭 A football injury at 13 shifted his focus from sports to acting, leading to his first theater role at 16, a lesser-known pivot that shaped his career and showcased how adversity can spark new passions. (40 words)
3. 💑 James proposed to Kimberly Brook after just nine months, marrying in a spiritual Kabbalah ceremony in Israel; their enduring partnership has produced six children, navigating life’s challenges with resilience and love. (38 words)
4. 🧛♂️ Surprisingly, he voiced Boris in Vampirina, bringing charm to a vampire dad, a lesser-known role that highlighted his versatility and appealed to younger audiences in animated entertainment. (35 words)
5. 📺 In a bold move, James parodied himself in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, poking fun at his Dawson’s Creek fame, a lesser-known role that showcased his sharp comedic skills. (37 words)
6. ❤️🩹 After his 2024 cancer diagnosis, James became a vocal advocate for colorectal cancer screenings, using his platform to inspire health awareness while continuing to work, a lesser-known but inspiring effort. (38 words)
7. 🏡 His family’s 2020 move to a Texas ranch reflects a lesser-known desire for a grounded life, where he raises his six kids surrounded by nature, far from Hollywood’s spotlight. (35 words)
8. 🎤 During college, James sang in an a cappella group, a lesser-known talent that added musical flair to his roles and hobbies, surprising fans of his dramatic work. (35 words)
9. 🤰 After two public miscarriages, James and Kimberly shared their grief to support others, a lesser-known act of vulnerability that built a community of empathy through their platform. (35 words)
10. 🕺 James competed on Dancing with the Stars in 2019, showing off his dance skills and charisma, a lesser-known highlight that nearly took him to the finals. (35 words)
11. 🎬 He won Best Actor at the 2009 San Diego Film Festival for Formosa Betrayed, a lesser-known achievement that proved his depth in serious dramatic roles beyond teen dramas. (36 words)
Comparison with Joshua Jackson
Comparing James Van Der Beek with Joshua Jackson, his Dawson’s Creek co-star: 🌟
- Both skyrocketed to fame via Dawson’s Creek, James as Dawson and Joshua as Pacey, shaping 90s teen drama culture. 🎭
- Born a year apart (James 1977, Joshua 1978), their close ages enhanced their on-screen chemistry. 🗓️
- James explored comedies and self-parody, while Joshua starred in sci-fi (Fringe) and dramas (The Affair). 📺
- Joshua’s net worth ($8-12 million) slightly exceeds James’s ($6 million), due to longer-running TV hits. 💰
- James has six kids with Kimberly; Joshua has one with Jodie Turner-Smith, reflecting different family paths. 👨👩👧👦
- As roommates, James was tidy, Joshua messy, influencing their on-screen dynamic. 🏠
- James’s cancer battle drives his advocacy; Joshua has no major public health issues. ❤️🩹
- Both have viral crying memes—James’s from Dawson’s Creek, Joshua’s from The Affair. 😂
- James joined the 2025 Dawson’s Creek reunion virtually due to health; Joshua attended in person. 🤝
- James focuses on cancer awareness; Joshua supports environmental and social causes. 🌍
Important Notice
⚠️ Notice: This information is for entertainment purposes only and may not cover all aspects of James Van Der Beek’s life. Verify details from official sources for complete accuracy. 📜