James David Van Der Beek Jr.
- Born:
- March 8, 1977, Cheshire, Connecticut, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Actor
Early Life and Education
- Born to James William Van Der Beek, a cell phone company executive, and Melinda (née Weber), a former gymnast and dance teacher.
- Spent much of his childhood traveling due to his father's job.
- Began acting in youth theater at age 13.
- Attended Drew University where he studied English and sociology.
Career and Major Achievements
- Gained prominence for his role as Dawson Leery in the television series Dawson's Creek (1998-2003).
- Starred in various films, showcasing versatility in different genres.
- Appeared in television shows such as CSI: Cyber and Pose.
- Competed on Dancing with the Stars.
Notable Works
The filmography of James David Van Der Beek Jr., known as James Van Der Beek, includes the following notable roles:
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Angus | Rick Sandford | Film Debut |
| 1998-2003 | Dawson's Creek | Dawson Leery | Main Role (TV series) |
| 1999 | Varsity Blues | Jonathan "Mox" Moxon | Film |
| 2009 | Stolen | Detective Mike Rivers | Film |
| 2012 | Law & Order: Special Victims Unit | Sean Albert | TV series, guest role |
| 2015-2016 | CSI: Cyber | Elijah Mundo | Main Role (TV series) |
| 2018 | Pose | Matt Bromley | Recurring Role (TV series) |
| 2019 | Dancing with the Stars | Himself | Contestant |
Legacy and Impact
James Van Der Beek is primarily recognized for his influential role in Dawson's Creek, a series that resonated with a generation and helped define teen drama on television. His career reflects a commitment to diverse roles across film and television. This brief overview of the james van der beek biography highlights his key contributions to the entertainment industry.