James Van Der Beek’s most memorable roles, from teen heartthrob to self-parody

James Van Der Beek’s most memorable roles, from teen heartthrob to self-parody

James Van Der Beek — who died Feb. 11 from colorectal cancer at the age of 48 — first gained fame as the title character on the teen drama Dawson’s Creek. His portrayal of aspiring filmmaker Dawson Leery in the late-’90s cleaning soap opera, alongside Capeside mates Joey (Katie Holmes), Pacey (Joshua Jackson) and Jen (Michelle Williams), stays his most acknowledged function.

Although Dawson’s Creek outlined his profession for many viewers — and definitely cemented his place in leisure historical past — he took on many other memorable roles. He will also be remembered as backup soccer QB Jonathan “Mox” Moxon from his function in the coming-of-age movie Varsity Blues and for showcasing his comedic aspect as a fictionalized version of himself on Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23 alongside Krysten Ritter.

While we wait to see his function in Prime Video’s extremely anticipated Legally Blonde prequel Elle, which is forthcoming, Yahoo editors are trying again on these past favorites. Please share your personal picks in the comments.

‘Dawson’s Creek’ (1998-2003)

The theme track alone transports me again to a time when the Dawson-Joey-Pacey love triangle felt like one in every of the world’s greatest dilemmas — or not less than it did to my youthful self. Earnest Dawson’s friendship-turned-crush on his childhood best pal, Joey, outlined the sequence and mirrored a lot of my very own life and friendships at the time: first love drama, shifting loyalties, household battle and rising pains as you make the leap from adolescence to maturity. The present also launched a era of standout actors, including Busy Philipps. Their latest forged reunion — to increase cash for cancer in honor of Van Der Beek, though he ended up lacking the emotional event — underscored the bond they shaped as performers from that period. The reunion also supplied a glimpse of the father of six’s household, including a second when his daughter sang the theme track, a full-circle tribute to a sequence that left an enduring mark. — Suzy Byrne

‘Varsity Blues’ (1999)

I owned the Varsity Blues DVD before I used to be allowed to. My mother and father forbade it — I used to be 13, it was rated R, end of debate — which in fact only made it more important viewing. I used to be deep in my Dawson’s Creek period and would watch something with the stars, so this turned required research. But past my teenage riot, Varsity Blues is iconic for a motive. It’s not just the underdog story or that completely delivered “I don’t want your life” second — it’s a time capsule of late-’90s teen angst wrapped in Texas soccer mythology. And sure, the whipped cream bikini scene turned immediate pop-culture lore, less about shock worth now and more about how one body can outline an period of teen films. Even now, it’s the sort of messy sports activities dramedy that reminds you why all of us fell somewhat in love with Friday evening lights tales in the first place, a big half thanks to Van Der Beek. — Taryn Ryder

‘One Tree Hill’ (2008-2009)

Dawson’s Creek walked so One Tree Hill might run — and Van Der Beek honored the teen drama that adopted his personal with a four-episode arc. Billed as a “special guest star,” he performed film director Adam Reese — in fact, a nod to movie-obsessed Dawson— employed to direct a movie adaptation of Lucas (Chad Michael Murray)’s novel. — Suzy Byrne

‘Don’t Trust the B— In Apartment 23’ (2012-2014)

One of the most ignored sitcoms of all time — genuinely — is the pleasant Don’t Trust the B— In Apartment 23, which has an astronomical laugh-per-minute ratio. It follows a happy-go-lucky Midwestern woman who strikes in with an irresponsible celebration woman named Chloe (Ritter) who, despite her laziness, loves a superb rip-off. Her best pal is James Van Der Beek — sure, a fictionalized version of the actor performed by himself. He does it with an astounding quantity of self-awareness, parodying the influence of his early fame on his confidence, self-importance and profession trajectory. The antics that they get into together defy predictability, and it is a disgrace we only received to see two seasons of it. — Kelsey Weekman

‘The Rules of Attraction’ (2002)

This Bret Easton Ellis adaptation follows Van Der Beek’s faculty drug supplier Sean Bateman (brother of American Psycho’s Patrick Bateman) as he events his approach by means of Camden College while craving for Lauren (Shannyn Sossamon), the woman he mistakenly believes is leaving him love notes. As Sean tries and fails to make any significant connections, a sequence of misunderstandings, each hilarious and tragic, ensues. — Kaitlin Reilly

Kesha’s ‘Blow’ music video (2011)

Van Der Beek mastered the brooding teen persona early in his profession, however he proved equally adept at comedy, notably when he leaned into and poked enjoyable of his Dawson’s Creek persona and former teen idol picture. Another time he stepped into that was in Kesha’s video for “Blow,” directed by Chris Marrs Piliero, by which he performed the singer’s nemesis. Whether it was their exaggerated rivalry, his embrace of the self-mocking “James Van Der Douche” persona or the unicorn-filled showdown, the performance confirmed how absolutely he was in on the joke — again. — Suzy Byrne

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