Trivia

Was identified as dyslexic in kindergarten and learned to read in a special class. Later became an honors student.

The necklace that he wore on Dawson's Creek (1998) was made by his mother.

Oddly, the literal translation of his Dutch surname means 'from the creek'.

He started acting because a concussion stopped him from playing football.

Was an English major at Drew University before leaving school to do Dawson's Creek (1998).

Was roommates with Joshua Jackson during the first season of Dawson's Creek (1998).

Has five children with wife Kimberly Van Der Beek. Daughters: Olivia (b. September 25, 2010), Annabel (b. January 25, 2014), Emilia (b. March 23, 2016), Gwendolyn (b. June 15, 2018) and son Joshua (b. March 13, 2012). A sixth child was expected in Spring 2020, but miscarried.

His favourite movie is The Shawshank Redemption (1994).

Met his ex-wife after her sister, Jennifer McComb, played a small guest-role in an episode of Dawson's Creek (1998). Jennifer kept in touch with the Dawson's Creek (1998) crew and introduced James and Heather.

There was a third story in Storytelling (2001) with Van Der Beek as a college student realizing his sexuality, which was subsequently cut out of the film.

He has Dutch, German, and English ancestry.

Chosen by People Magazine as one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world. (1998)

His hobbies are: playing the guitar, sleeping, staying with his friends and playing sports.

He is the oldest of three children. His father played minor league baseball before he was born, and his mother was a dancer. His dad later worked for the phone company, and his mother ran and owned her own gymnastics studio.

Lives in New York City for most of the summer - when his show is on hiatus or when he is not shooting a film.

Has a brother Jared (1979) and a sister Juliana (1981).

He had cancer in 2023.

In off-Broadway play "Rain Dance" and filming Standing Still (2005). (June 2003)

James enjoys watching football and baseball, and on weekends and still plays whenever he has the time.

Ex-brother-in-law of Jennifer McComb.