James Van Der Beek

Birth Name:

James David Van Der Beek

Birth Place:

Cheshire, Connecticut, United States

Profession

Actor, Soundtrack, Writer, Producer, Music department

Briefly studied at Drew University before landing the lead on "Dawson's Creek"
Quote: "I love New York City․ Everyone is busy with their own lives - and no one is interested in some Hollywood celebrity walking past in downtown Manhattan․Thats why it's my favorite city․ You can do what you want without attracting a crowd of curious onlookers․"
Quote: "I'm not about to talk about what's romantic in my life - I figure if you talk about it once - then that's an open invitation for everyone to dig into your personal life even further․ So, I just keep my private life to myself․ If people want to write anything about me, then can go ahead and do whatever they want․ But they won't get a comment out of me, that's for sure․ It's a free country and I can keep my mouth shut whenever I want!"
After begging his mother to help him find an agent to become an actor, he would land his first professional gig as a teen doing stage work in New York City
Continued to pursue stage work following the end of "Dawson's Creek" in 2003 while also auditioning for various television spots as well
Landed the lead role on WB's "Dawson's Creek" which would eventually run for six seasons in 1997, his most well-known role to date
His Dutch ancestry translates his surname into 'from the creek' oddly enough
Participated in the filming of Ke$ha's music video for "Blow"

1999MTV Movie Award - Best Breakthrough Male Performance:Winner
1999Teen Choice Award - Film - Breakout Performance:Winner
1999Teen Choice Award - TV - Choice Actor:Nominated
2000Blockbuster Entertainment Award - Favorite Actor - Newcomer (Internet Only):Nominated
2001MTV Movie Award - Best Cameo in a Movie:Winner
2001Young Hollywood Award - Best Cast Chemistry - TV:Winner
2009Festival Award - Best Actor:Winner
2012Teen Choice Award - Choice TV: Male Scene Stealer:Nominated

Fast Facts