James Van Der Beek’s Final Role In Prime Video’s New Comedy Prequel Series Praised By Creator

James Van Der Beek‘s final role has been revealed.

Van Der Beek’s career spanned three decades, with his breakout role as Dawson Leery in the iconic 1990s teen drama Dawson’s Creek. The actor was also known for his roles in Varsity Blues, Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, The Rules of Attraction, and Pose. Sadly, the actor died in February 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. He passed away surrounded by his six children and his wife, Kimberly.

In Prime Video’s prequel series Elle, Van Der Beek was seen in his final role before his tragic death as the school district superintendent running for mayor, Dean Wilson. In an interview with ScreenRant‘s Liam Crowley, creator Laura Kittrell discusses the show’s first season and working alongside Van Der Beek in what has now become his final role on-screen:

ScreenRant: To go on a bit more of a serious note, we lost James Van Der Beek this past February. I understand Elle is going to be one of his final roles. I would love for you just to speak about what he brought to this series, his authenticity, his passion, and how this show honors his legacy.

Laura Kittrell: He’s incredible on the show. I think he’s so funny on it, and I think getting to work with him so many days on set, he came to set with… I think he reminded us all how meaningful the work is, but also how fun it is. He took it so seriously, and he also brought two of his daughters to set who basically ran the plays the entire time that they were there, but it seemed to be so important to him to show them the work that went into all of this and all of the people behind the scenes, and that was really moving to me.

Van Der Beek’s character Dean befriends Elle Woods (played by Lexi Minetree) and her mother Eva Woods (played by June Diane Raphael), who helps him with his mayoral campaign. However, Elle ultimately exposes his extortion scene and is shown being arrested towards the end of the first season.

Elle paid tribute after his first appearance in season 1, episode 3, titled “You’re Not the Girl I Thought You Were,” with a title card during the credits, which read “In loving memory of James Van Der Beek.”

The Prime Video series is based on the iconic Legally Blonde movies starring Reese Witherspoon, who is now acting as an executive producer on the prequel series Elle. Witherspoon paid tribute to Van Der Beek following news of his passing with a touching message: “Devastated to hear about James Van Der Beek. What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action. Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.”

Van Der Beek‘s final film roles include The Gates, released in March, and Sidelined 2: Intercepted, which was released in November 2025. Kittrell’s touching recollection of the actor during his time in production of Prime Video’s Elle proves that his legacy will continue long after his passing, and he will survive through his six children, as well as the countless legendary roles he transformed into.