James Van Der Beek Was a ‘Dawson’s Creek’ Icon, but His Masterpiece Performance Is in This 2-Season Sitcom

Hollywood has been hit hard in the past weeks. The shock of Catherine O'Hara's passing is still lingering after her death on January 30. February 11 marks the date of another untimely demise, with the loss of one of TV's best performers – James Van Der Beek. The actor had been battling cancer since his diagnosis in 2023. Although the official cause of death hasn't been disclosed, Van Der Beek never gave up in this fierce battle. This past November, he auctioned Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues memorabilia to help cover treatment costs.

Ever since his acting debut in the '90s, Van Der Beek displayed a magnetically charming presence that was showcased in each of his roles. His most memorable one came in the form of Dawson Leery, the teenage heartthrob at the center of Dawson's Creek drama. This cemented his image, becoming recognizable anywhere he popped up. More than 10 years ago, a cult comedy TV show was able to take advantage of Van Der Beek's endearing presence and turn it into the ultimate meta experience. In Nahnatchka Khan's Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, Van Der Beek played a whacky version of himself. Contrary to other shows where celebrity cameos are fleeting, this series made Van Der Beek a part of its main narrative, achieving an unprecedented comedic experience.

The focus of Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 is the contrast between June (Dreama Walker) and Chloe's (Krysten Ritter) personalities – one being trusting and hopeful, and the other being an unscrupulous freeloader. When they become roommates, their adjustment is eased by friends and neighbors. This is when Van Der Beek's James enters the picture. Introduced as a longtime acquaintance of Chloe, James displays the same level of self-absorbedness as she does.

This version of James is a narcissistic man-child. He clings to his Dawson's Creek fame to take advantage of others, particularly his devoted assistant Luther (Ray Ford). He holds petty grudges against other actors, particularly the hilarious Frankie Muniz. Lastly, he accepts every job that might get him to the top again, such as appearing in Japanese commercials and competing in Dancing with the Stars. But it all boils down to James' fear of being forgotten. The layers of his insecurities go back to his child star origins, making his vulnerability the platform from which he evolves.

Chloe and James' Unexpected Friendship Blooms Beautifully in 'Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23'

Chloe and James' complex relationship goes beyond sexual tensions or romantic entanglements. Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 is clear in establishing they have hooked up, but without any drama coming out of it. Their friendship bloomed in the aftermath of their encounters. Their dynamic is unique for, even when they are the worst people in the world, they're able to find within themselves their redeemable nature.

Whereas June indirectly motivates Chloe to become a better person, it's James who becomes Chloe's emotional rock. James and Chloe enable each other's worst traits, but evolve together after acknowledging them. Whereas they are constantly self-absorbed, they show up when they really need each other. Their loyalty surprises them, but it's proof of their raw and honest friendship. They are there for each other, not because of a performance, but because they actually care.

Thanks to Dawson's Creek, James Van Der Beek will always be a staple of the 2000s. But his role as himself in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 is one of the best additions to his legacy. Having James as a main character in the show allowed for the parody to go further and transform into an elaborate satire of Hollywood stardom. It served as a fresh reminder that celebrities are just like us. This role allowed for Van Der Beek to poke fun at himself, revealing a new side of his acting chops. Thus, James Van Der Beek as James Van Der Beek in this cult comedy show will forever be one of the highlights of his career.