Born: 3/8/77
Birthplace: Cheshire, Connecticut, USA

Van Der Beek became instantly famous playing the sensitive Dawson Leery on the TV series Dawson's Creek (1998– ), a megahit among teens for its apt portrayal of adolescent angst. At age 17 he appeared in Edward Albee's Off-Broadway production of Finding the Sun (1994) and delivered his first screen performance in Angus (1995). His other films include I Love You . . .I Love You Not (1996, with Claire Danes) and Varsity Blues (1998). 

Facts about James Van Der Beek:

At 13, he was injured playing football, so he decided to try out for the community theater's production of "Grease" and got a leading role.

He got the nickname "Baby James" when he was in a play with four older people all named James.

James won a scholarship to Drew University, where he studied English and Sociology. He was discovered to be dyslexic in kindergarden, but overcame the disability to become an honors student.

After graduating, James auditioned for Dawson's Creek. Many others were touted for the lead until they saw James' winning tape -- in fact, his audition tape got stuck in the producer's VCR, as if to drive home the point that he was their guy!

Now this sounds like fun ... He and Joshua Jackson were roommates during the first season of Dawson's Creek.

In 1998, James won Entertainment Asylum's top "You've Got Fans" prize when AOL users singled him out for the "Spotlight Award."

 

Personal quotes:

"I basically jump in the shower, throw a hat on and take it off at work. In half an hour, my hair is cool. I'm ambidextrous. I wear it both ways, but on formal occasions, brim forward."

"Entertainment Weekly called me Ethan Hawke with better hygiene."
— James Van Der Beek