
What's After the Movie
James David Van Der Beek is a celebrated American actor, renowned for his portrayal of Dawson Leery on The WB's Dawson's Creek (1998–2003). He has proved his acting mettle in various other characters, such as a fictional version of himself in the cult ABC sitcom Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012–2013), as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber (2015–2016), and Matt Bromley in the first season of the FX drama Pose (2018). Adding to his diverse portfolio, his film credits extend to Varsity Blues (1998), Texas Rangers (2001), The Rules of Attraction (2002), Formosa Betrayed (2009), Labor Day (2013), and Bad Hair (2020). Besides his impressive work on screen, James has an interesting background. Born to Melinda, a former dancer and gymnastics teacher, and James William Van Der Beek, an executive and former minor league baseball pitcher, he traces his ancestry to Dutch, German, English, Scots-Irish, and French lineage. His theatrical journey began with his role in a middle school production and later lead him to the big screen. He made impactful appearances in different TV programmes and gained recognitions, such as an MTV Movie Award for Varsity Blues and selection as one of People magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People in the World.
Explore the best of James Van Der Beek – top movies, iconic roles, and must-see performances!
Learn more about James Van Der Beek, including a detailed biography, career timeline, personal life insights, and complete filmography. Discover how James Van Der Beek rose to fame, their major roles, industry impact, and personal milestones in the world of film.
Given Name: James David Van Der Beek
Born: Cheshire, Connecticut, U.S.
Citizenship: American
Birthday: March 8, 1977
Occupations: Actor
Years Active: 1992-present
Children: 6
Spouses: Heather McComb, Kimberly Brook
Explore more about on trusted external platforms like Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, TMDb or IMDb. Find additional details, reviews, and related content to deepen your understanding.
Castle in the Sky
Downsizing
Bad Hair
The Rules of Attraction
Jay and Silent Bob Reboot
Varsity Blues
Texas Rangers
Backwards
Inspired by Bret Easton Ellis
Salem Falls
Power/Rangers
Sea Oak
Oh, What a Lovely Tea Party
Robot Chicken: Star Wars
Eye of the Beast
Danny Roane: First Time Director
The Plague
The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU
I Love You, I Love You Not
The Real Full Monty
Angus
Harvest
Sidelined: The QB and Me
Mrs. Miracle
Track the complete movie timeline of James Van Der Beek, including all film releases, career breakthroughs, and notable roles. Follow their journey from early performances to recent blockbusters and upcoming projects.

Coming soon on iOS and Android
From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.
Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Explore Our Movie Platform
New Movie Releases (2025)
Famous Movie Actors
Top Film Production Studios
Movie Plot Summaries & Endings
Major Movie Awards & Winners
Best Concert Films & Music Documentaries
Movie Collections and Curated Lists
© 2025 What's After the Movie. All rights reserved.