James Van Der Beek Net Worth 2025: How Much Does Former “Dawson’s Creek” Star Make?

Most people remember James Van Der Beek as the brooding, sensitive teen heartthrob Dawson Leery on the hit show “Dawson’s Creek”, but there’s a lot more to his story than ‘90s nostalgia. At 48 years old in 2025, Van Der Beek has built a solid career that extends beyond Capeside — from cult-classic films to steady TV roles, and even reality TV.

And while the fame from “Dawson’s Creek” certainly opened doors, Van Der Beek has stayed relevant by reinventing himself in Hollywood’s ever-changing landscape. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $6 million, thanks to a mix of acting gigs, voiceover work, and smart real estate decisions.

From Connecticut Kid to Hollywood Star

James David Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut. Growing up, acting wasn’t just a casual hobby — it was a calling. At just 15 years old, he convinced his mom to take him to New York City, where he landed roles in off-Broadway productions like “Finding the Sun” and “Rain Dance.” While many young actors would have waited until college, Van Der Beek was already making waves in the theater scene while still in high school.

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Though he briefly attended Drew University, he dropped out to chase acting full-time — a gamble that paid off almost immediately.

The Dawson’s Creek Breakthrough

Van Der Beek’s big break came in 1997, when he auditioned for the role of Dawson Leery. That little teen drama, “Dawson’s Creek,” turned into a cultural phenomenon, launching not just Van Der Beek’s career but also propelling Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, and Michelle Williams into stardom.

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The series ran for six successful seasons, cementing Van Der Beek as one of the most recognizable faces on TV in the late ‘90s and early 2000s. The irony? His last name, Van Der Beek, actually translates to “from the creek” in Dutch. Talk about perfect casting.

Life After Capeside

Once the Dawson’s Creek train slowed down, Van Der Beek faced the common post-hit show dilemma: how do you shake off a career-defining role? He tackled this head-on by taking roles in films like “Varsity Blues,” which became a box-office hit, and comedies like “Scary Movie” and “Jay & Silent Bob Strike Back.”

While some projects were big hits, others flew under the radar, including several straight-to-DVD films. But Van Der Beek never stopped working, and his willingness to poke fun at himself gave his career a second wind. In 2011, he starred as a tongue-in-cheek version of himself in the cult favorite sitcom “Don’t Trust the B— in Apartment 23.”

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This self-aware performance showed fans a different side of him — one that didn’t take Hollywood too seriously.

Small Screen Success and Voice Work

Van Der Beek continued racking up TV credits with guest spots on shows like “How I Met Your Mother,” “Criminal Minds,” and “One Tree Hill.” In 2015, he snagged a more action-oriented role as Agent Elijah Mundo on “CSI: Cyber.”

He even created and starred in his own series, “What Would Diplo Do?”, a quirky comedy that added another layer to his diverse portfolio. Outside of traditional acting, Van Der Beek lent his voice to the animated Disney Junior series “Vampirina,” proving he can wear many hats in the entertainment industry.

And let’s not forget — he showed off his moves on “Dancing with the Stars”, winning over a new generation of fans and proving he’s not just a dramatic actor, but a guy who can have fun with it all.

Personal Life: Family First

In addition to his acting career, Van Der Beek is a dedicated family man. After a marriage to actress Heather McComb ended in 2009, he found lasting love with business consultant Kimberly Brook. The two married in 2010 and now share five children, with the family opting for a quieter life outside of Hollywood.

Sadly, in 2019, Van Der Beek and Brook suffered a miscarriage while expecting their sixth child, a tragedy the actor spoke about openly and candidly on social media. Through it all, Van Der Beek has made it clear that family is his priority.

Smart Moves Off-Screen

While Van Der Beek’s Hollywood career is steady, he’s also made some smart plays in the real estate game. Back in 2005, he bought a home in Valley Village, California, for $1.26 million, eventually renting it out and later selling it in 2014 for $1.15 million.

In 2013, he upgraded to a Beverly Hills property for $2.5 million, a home he later listed for rent at $12,000 per month after he and his family relocated to Austin, Texas.

Today, the Van Der Beeks are enjoying life on a 36-acre ranch in Austin, which they currently rent. Their move reflects a growing trend of celebrities ditching Los Angeles for a more grounded, rural lifestyle.

What’s Next for James Van Der Beek?

At 48, Van Der Beek is far from fading into the background. With a career that’s spanned from teen drama icon to indie film actor, reality TV competitor, and comedy creator, he’s managed to stay relevant in an industry that’s not always forgiving to actors with breakout roles.

Though he may always be known to some as Dawson Leery, Van Der Beek seems content building a career and a life on his own terms — whether that’s starring in his next series, raising his kids in Texas, or jumping into new creative ventures.