Fans Revisit James Van Der Beek's Memorable "Saturday Night Live" Monologue Following His Death at 48 Tereza ShkurtajFebruary 15, 2026 at 4:30 AM 0 James Van Der Beek on 'Saturday Night Live' (1999). Saturday Night Live/Youtube Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11, 2026, at age 48 In an announcement on Instagram, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, said he died "peacefully" after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023 Fans are now revisiting the actor's most iconic moments, including a memorable turn as host during season 24 of Saturday Night Live James Van Der B...
- - Fans Revisit James Van Der Beek's Memorable "Saturday Night Live" Monologue Following His Death at 48
Tereza ShkurtajFebruary 15, 2026 at 4:30 AM
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James Van Der Beek on 'Saturday Night Live' (1999).
Saturday Night Live/Youtube
Dawson's Creek actor James Van Der Beek died on Feb. 11, 2026, at age 48
In an announcement on Instagram, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, said he died "peacefully" after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023
Fans are now revisiting the actor's most iconic moments, including a memorable turn as host during season 24 of Saturday Night Live
James Van Der Beek will always be remembered for his breakout role as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek, the late '90s teen drama that helped define a generation of television.
On Feb. 11, 2026, the 48-year-old died, over two years after being diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. As fans revisit the beloved series and Van Der Beek's broader career, many are also remembering one of his most unexpected milestones – hosting Saturday Night Live in 1999.
James Van Der Beek on 'Saturday Night Live' (1999).
Saturday Night Live/Youtube
At the height of his fame in his early 20s, Van Der Beek stepped onto Studio 8H's stage with self-awareness and a willingness to poke fun at his wholesome image.
"Wow, this is absolutely incredible to be hosting Saturday Night Live," he began as the live studio audience erupted with squeals.
His opening monologue quickly turned into a playful spectacle when it was repeatedly interrupted by the booming voice of an overly affectionate "Don Pardo," portrayed by cast member Darrell Hammond since the typical announcer was out sick.
The gag escalated when an NBC page delivered a gift-wrapped pair of crisp, white underwear to the embarrassed host. "You're so clean and untainted," the off-camera voice said. "I've seen many teen idols come through this show, but you have that something extra that makes me feel, I don't know, hot!"
Van Der Beek, who was admittedly "uncomfortable" by the mysterious voice's advances, then cut to a commercial break to end the ongoing overtures of affection.
'Dawson's Creek' cast.
Getty
On Dawson's Creek, Van Der Beek played the Steven Spielberg-obsessed teen who dreamed of becoming a director. By anchoring the show's six-season run as Dawson, Van Der Beek positioned himself as one of television's defining young stars of the era.
The series aired from 1998 to 2003, and after it ended, he expanded into both film and television.
In 1999, he appeared in Varsity Blues, further cementing his big-screen appeal. He later embraced comedic roles, including a memorable turn on How I Met Your Mother in 2005 and a self-aware performance on Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.
Beyond scripted projects, Van Der Beek continued to surprise audiences decades after his breakout fame by showcasing his versatility on reality competition shows, including season 28 of Dancing with the Stars and season 13 of The Masked Singer as the Griffin.
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek with their children.
James Van Der Beek/Instagram
In August 2023, Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He announced the news exclusively with PEOPLE in November 2024, saying he had "been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family."
On Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, took to Instagram to let friends, family and fans know that he had "passed peacefully" that morning.
"He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time," she wrote. "Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
James was a father to six children — daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, and Gwendolyn, 7, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.
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Amid the news, Dawson's Creek costar Katie Holmes paid tribute to her friend in a heartfelt Instagram post.
"James, thank you. To share a space with your imagination is sacred — breathing the same air in the land of make believe and trusting that each other's hearts are safe in their expression," her letter wrote, in part.
Following his death, several other friends shared intimate photos and memories alongside the late actor during his final days.
on People
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: February 15, 2026 at 05:45AM on Source: PRIME TIME
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