James Van Der Beek’s passing on Wednesday at age 48 has left many heartbroken, but there’s a silver lining. Fans will still get to see him in his upcoming roles, and there’s talk of a memoir.
He’ll appear in the new Prime Video series Elle, a prequel to Legally Blonde. Set to premiere on July 1, he plays Dean Wilson, a school district superintendent running for mayor. This series gives us a glimpse into the younger Elle Woods’ life, well before she hit Harvard Law.
Laura Kittrell, the series creator, aims to show the experiences that shaped Elle. “James Van Der Beek was a beloved teen icon who evolved throughout his career. He was not just an actor; he was a husband, father, and cancer awareness advocate,” said a statement from Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. They expressed sadness over his loss but celebrated his talent and contributions.
In addition to his role in Elle, Van Der Beek had been secretly working on a memoir. Sources shared that he balanced writing with projects like The Masked Singer and Overcompensating, plus spending time with family and friends. It’s unclear how much he completed or if his memoir will be published posthumously.
He also starred in the film The Gates, set to debut next month. Writer-director John Burr praised Van Der Beek’s depth and charisma, noting how he formed strong relationships with the cast and crew. Even in the midst of health challenges, he remained energetic and thoughtful in their conversations.
Van Der Beek is best known for his iconic role in Dawson’s Creek, which aired from 1998 to 2003. His career includes memorable roles in films such as Varsity Blues and The Rules of Attraction.
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. A GoFundMe page has been created to support his family during this difficult time.
As fans and colleagues reflect on his life, it’s clear that Van Der Beek’s legacy will live on through his work and the people he touched along the way.
Source link
Elle,James Van Der Beek
