James Van Der Beek Net Worth

What is James Van Der Beek's Net Worth and Salary?

James Van Der Beek is an American actor who has a net worth of $3 million. James Van Der Beek rose to fame in the late 1990s as the earnest, introspective teen Dawson Leery on the WB drama "Dawson's Creek." The series, which ran from 1998 to 2003, became a defining show of its era and made Van Der Beek one of the most recognizable young actors in Hollywood. His performance as the idealistic aspiring filmmaker earned him critical praise and several Teen Choice Awards, while also cementing his status as a pop culture figure thanks to the show's heartfelt tone and memorable dialogue. During the height of his "Dawson's Creek" fame, he also took on film roles, most notably as the conflicted quarterback Mox in the 1999 hit "Varsity Blues," which became a box-office success and showcased his ability to lead a major studio movie.

After "Dawson's Creek" ended, Van Der Beek faced the common challenge of escaping typecasting. He appeared in a variety of independent films and guest spots on television, including roles in "Criminal Minds," "How I Met Your Mother," and "One Tree Hill." He earned a wave of renewed attention for his self-parodying performance as an exaggerated version of himself on the ABC comedy "Don't Trust the B—- in Apartment 23" (2012–2013), a role that reintroduced him to a new generation of viewers and highlighted his comedic timing.

In the years since, Van Der Beek has continued working steadily in both television and film, appearing in shows such as "CSI: Cyber," "Pose," and "Power/Rangers." He also competed on "Dancing with the Stars" and has written and produced several personal projects exploring family and fatherhood. Known for his humor, self-awareness, and grounded approach to fame, Van Der Beek successfully transitioned from teen idol to respected working actor with a career marked by versatility and longevity.

Early Life

James David Van Der Beek was born on March 8th, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut. His father was once a professional baseball pitcher who later became an executive for a cell phone company. His mother was once a professional dancer and gymnastics teacher. The last name, "Van Der Beek," is Dutch, and it translates roughly to "from the creek."

When James was 15, he convinced his mother to take him to New York City so that he could pursue his dream of becoming a professional actor. He immediately found success in various stage productions, booking roles in off-Broadway plays such as "Finding the Sun" and "Rain Dance."

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Early Roles and Education

James Van Der Beek began acting while still in high school, appearing in regional theater productions and making his film debut in "Angus" (1995). Around the same time, he had small roles in "I Love You, I Love You Not" alongside Claire Danes and in stage productions such as "Shenandoah" and "My Marriage to Ernest Borgnine." After graduating high school, he briefly attended Drew University in New Jersey but left after one year to pursue acting full-time. His early film work also included the independent drama "Cash Crop" (1997), which helped him gain valuable on-set experience before his breakout moment arrived.

Dawson's Creek

In 1997, Van Der Beek auditioned for a new teen drama being developed by screenwriter Kevin Williamson. He landed the lead role of Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek," which premiered on The WB in 1998 and ran for six seasons. The show became a cultural phenomenon and made Van Der Beek one of the most recognizable young stars of his generation.

He starred alongside Katie Holmes, who played Joey Potter, Joshua Jackson as Pacey Witter, and Michelle Williams as Jen Lindley—each of whom would go on to have major careers in film and television. The chemistry among the core cast helped make the show one of the defining series of the late 1990s, known for its sharp writing, emotional honesty, and intelligent portrayal of teenage life. Van Der Beek's portrayal of the sensitive, idealistic Dawson earned him critical recognition and numerous fan awards.

Transition to Film and Television Guest Roles

While filming the series, he also found success on the big screen with the 1999 football drama "Varsity Blues," a surprise hit that opened at number one at the box office and further solidified his leading-man status. Following the end of "Dawson's Creek" in 2003, Van Der Beek worked to diversify his career. He appeared in films like "Texas Rangers," "Scary Movie," and "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back." In 2002, he took on a darker, more adult role in "The Rules of Attraction," a cult-favorite adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel. During the mid-2000s, he appeared in a string of smaller projects and guest-starred on popular television series including "Ugly Betty," "How I Met Your Mother," "Criminal Minds," and "Medium."

Career Resurgence and Comedic Reinvention

In 2008, Van Der Beek joined the cast of "One Tree Hill" in a recurring role, followed by a well-received turn in the political thriller "Formosa Betrayed." His television profile rose again when he appeared in the NBC medical drama "Mercy" and the feature film "Stolen." However, his biggest comeback came in 2012 with "Don't Trust the B—- in Apartment 23," in which he played a fictionalized, self-deprecating version of himself. The show became a cult hit and reintroduced him to audiences as a gifted comedic actor willing to poke fun at his own fame.

Later Work and Continued Success

In 2015, Van Der Beek landed another major television role as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo on "CSI: Cyber." He later created, wrote, and starred in the 2017 Viceland comedy "What Would Diplo Do?," playing a satirical version of DJ Diplo. Beyond acting, he has lent his voice to the Disney Junior animated series "Vampirina" and appeared as a contestant on "Dancing with the Stars." Van Der Beek has also written and produced several personal projects exploring family life and creativity, maintaining a steady presence in both scripted television and independent entertainment while evolving from teen idol to respected, multifaceted performer.

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Personal Life

James Van Der Beek married actress Heather McComb in 2003. Their marriage lasted six years before ending in divorce in 2009. Court filings from that period revealed that Van Der Beek was earning approximately $50,000 per month, or about $600,000 annually. The split was amicable, and both later moved on to new relationships.

In August 2010, he married business consultant Kimberly Brook, whom he met during a trip to Israel. Together, they have welcomed six children. The couple has been open about the joys and challenges of parenting a large family, as well as the heartbreak of multiple pregnancy losses, including a miscarriage in 2019. Van Der Beek has spoken candidly about those experiences on social media, emphasizing gratitude, healing, and family as central themes in his life.

Cancer Diagnosis

In August 2023, James was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer following a colonoscopy prompted by changes in his bowel movements, symptoms he initially attributed to coffee consumption. He publicly revealed the diagnosis in November 2024, explaining that he had managed the condition privately with the support of his family. Although he was shocked by the news, given his healthy lifestyle, Van Der Beek expressed cautious optimism and said he hoped to use his experience to raise awareness about early-onset colorectal cancer.

Real Estate

In 2005, Van Der Beek purchased a home in Valley Village, California, for $1.26 million. The 3,000-square-foot property, which featured four bedrooms, a pool, and a spacious backyard, served primarily as an investment. He leased it for around $5,000 per month before eventually selling it in 2014 for $1.15 million.

In 2013, he upgraded to a 3,134-square-foot residence in Beverly Hills, purchasing the home for $2.5 million. After relocating to Texas in 2020, he listed the Beverly Hills property for rent at $12,000 per month. The home is now estimated to be worth about $4 million. In Texas, Van Der Beek and his family reside on a 36-acre ranch outside Austin, where they have embraced a slower-paced, nature-filled lifestyle away from Hollywood.

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