Ugly tears and floppy-haired heartthrobs: Dawson’s Creek’s 10 best moments

Global entertainment fans and media outlets are paying tribute to the late actor James Van Der Beek this week following the announcement of his death on February 11, 2026, commemorating his indelible impact on pop culture as the star of the seminal teen drama Dawson’s Creek. The retrospectives, appearing across major publications, aim to celebrate Van Der Beek’s career and the emotional legacy of the show that transformed him into an international heartthrob during the late 1990s. The sudden loss has sparked a wave of nostalgia for the WB network era, highlighting how the series redefined the young adult genre through its sophisticated dialogue and complex character arcs. Dawson’s Creek, which ran from 1998 to 2003, was more than just a television program; it was a cultural touchstone that introduced the world to the fictional town of Capeside and a generation of rising stars including Michelle Williams, Joshua Jackson, and Katie Holmes. Critics are currently highlighting the show's top ten moments, ranging from the infamous 'ugly cry' meme—which showcased Van Der Beek's raw vulnerability—to the groundbreaking romantic triangles that kept audiences captivated for six seasons. These moments are being revisited not just for their entertainment value, but for their role in pioneering more mature storytelling for adolescent audiences. Beyond his role as the titular Dawson Leery, James Van Der Beek is being remembered for his range and his willingness to satirize his own teen-idol image in later projects like 'Don’t Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.' Journalists and fellow actors are emphasizing that while he was often defined by his floppy-haired protagonist in Capeside, his professional journey spanned decades of versatile performances across film and television. The outpouring of grief from fans worldwide underscores the deep personal connection viewers felt with his most famous character, whose coming-of-age struggles mirrored those of an entire generation.