James Van Der Beek
Definition
An American actor (born March 8, 1977) best known for portraying Dawson Leery, the aspiring filmmaker in the iconic teen drama Dawson's Creek (1998–2003).
Star of the 1999 football film Varsity Blues, whose tear-streaked locker room meltdown became an enduring internet meme template for exaggerated emotion.
Versatile performer in later roles across TV like Pose, Mercy, and FBI: Most Wanted, proving he's more than just a '90s heartthrob.
Examples
James Van Der Beek's Varsity Blues sob face is the go-to reaction for every sports fan's playoff meltdown.
In the reboot era, fans still pine for James Van Der Beek to creek-walk back into their lives.
James Van Der Beek traded small-screen dreams for superhero cameos, because why not level up from Dawson?
Spotting James Van Der Beek in a procedural drama feels like finding a '90s time capsule in your Netflix queue.