James Van Der Beek, the American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, has an estimated net worth of $3 million. Over his decades-long career, Van Der Beek has earned income from television, film, guest appearances, and production projects. During the height of his early career, he earned roughly $50,000 per month, or about $600,000 annually, as revealed during his divorce proceedings in 2009.
- James Van Der Beek Net Worth: $3 Million
- Date of Birth: March 8, 1977
- Place of Birth: Cheshire, Connecticut
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actor
Early Life
James David Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut. His father was a professional baseball pitcher turned cell phone company executive, while his mother worked as a dancer and gymnastics instructor. The Dutch surname “Van Der Beek” translates to “from the creek,” a fitting coincidence given his iconic TV role.
At age 15, Van Der Beek convinced his mother to let him pursue acting in New York City, where he quickly landed roles in off-Broadway productions such as Finding the Sun and Rain Dance. He later attended Drew University in New Jersey but left after one year to focus on acting full-time.
Early Acting Roles
Van Der Beek began acting in high school, performing in regional theater and making his film debut in Angus (1995). He also appeared in I Love You, I Love You Not alongside Claire Danes and other stage productions like Shenandoah. Small independent films like Cash Crop (1997) helped him gain experience before landing his breakthrough role.
Dawson’s Creek
In 1997, Van Der Beek auditioned for Dawson’s Creek and was cast as the sensitive, idealistic teen Dawson Leery. The series ran from 1998 to 2003 on The WB, quickly becoming a cultural phenomenon and defining a generation of teen drama.
Starring alongside Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams, Van Der Beek’s performance earned critical praise and several Teen Choice Awards, cementing him as one of Hollywood’s most recognizable young actors.
Film Career
While filming Dawson’s Creek, Van Der Beek starred as Mox in the 1999 teen sports drama Varsity Blues, a box-office hit that showcased his range beyond television. After the series ended, he pursued a variety of film roles including Texas Rangers, Scary Movie, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and the cult favorite The Rules of Attraction (2002).
Television Guest Appearances
Van Der Beek avoided typecasting by taking diverse TV roles, guest-starring on Criminal Minds, How I Met Your Mother, Ugly Betty, Medium, and One Tree Hill.
A career resurgence came with Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23 (2012–2013), where he played a fictionalized version of himself, blending comedy with self-parody. He later appeared on CSI: Cyber, Pose, and Power/Rangers, and created and starred in What Would Diplo Do? (2017).
He also competed on Dancing with the Stars and explored personal projects centered on family and fatherhood, demonstrating versatility and longevity in the entertainment industry.
Personal Life
Van Der Beek married actress Heather McComb in 2003, divorcing in 2009. In August 2010, he married business consultant Kimberly Brook. The couple has six children and has spoken openly about family life, parenting, and coping with pregnancy losses, including a miscarriage in 2019.
James Van Der Beek Health Update
In August 2023, Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, which he publicly shared in November 2024. Despite the diagnosis, he expressed optimism and a commitment to raising awareness about early-onset colorectal cancer.
Real Estate Holdings
Van Der Beek has invested wisely in real estate:
- 2005: Purchased a 3,000-square-foot home in Valley Village, California for $1.26 million; sold in 2014 for $1.15 million.
- 2013: Bought a 3,134-square-foot Beverly Hills home for $2.5 million; listed for rent at $12,000/month in 2020, now valued at around $4 million.
- 2020 onwards: Relocated to a 36-acre ranch outside Austin, Texas, embracing a quieter, family-centered lifestyle.
James Van Der Beek Net Worth
James Van Der Beek net worth is estimated to be $3 million.
