**4. James Van Der Beek**
James Van Der Beek, the ’90s heartthrob who captured teen angst as Dawson Leery, died on February 11, 2026, at just 48 after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. Anyone over 40 who binge-watched Dawson’s Creek or crushed on him in Varsity Blues will feel this one deeply — the boy-next-door idol we all grew up with is gone far too soon.
He brought vulnerability and charm to roles that defined a generation of young adult television, later transitioning into family life with six children. Van Der Beek faced his final days with courage and grace, as shared by his wife Kimberly. His story reminds us how quickly time passes, turning our TV crushes into poignant reflections on life’s fragility.