Career Timeline of James Van Der Beek: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how James Van Der Beek made an impact.
James Van Der Beek is an American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the television series Dawson's Creek (1998-2003). He has also portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 and starred as FBI agent Elijah Mundo in CSI: Cyber. More recently, he appeared as Matt Bromley in the drama Pose.
1993: Off-Broadway Debut
In 1993, at age 16, James Van Der Beek made his professional off-Broadway debut in Edward Albee's play Finding the Sun.
1995: Film Debut and University Attendance
In 1995, James Van Der Beek made his feature film debut in Angus, and attended Drew University on an academic scholarship.
1996: Filming Role in I Love You, I Love You Not
In 1996, James Van Der Beek filmed a small role in the independent movie I Love You, I Love You Not.
1997: Dawson's Creek Production Begins
In 1997, James Van Der Beek left Drew University when Dawson's Creek began production and filmed Cash Crop.
1997: Audition for Dawson's Creek
In early 1997, James Van Der Beek auditioned for the WB series Dawson's Creek.
1998: Dawson's Creek Debut and Success
In 1998, Dawson's Creek debuted, becoming a breakout success for The WB and its cast, including James Van Der Beek.
1999: Varsity Blues and MTV Movie Award
In 1999, James Van Der Beek starred in Varsity Blues, which topped the U.S. box office and earned him an MTV Movie Award.
1999: Varsity Blues Film Credit
In 1999, James Van Der Beek's film credits included Varsity Blues.
2001: Cash Crop Release
In 2001, the independent film Cash Crop, which was shot in spring of 1997 originally titled Harvest, was released.
2002: The Rules of Attraction Release
In 2002, James Van Der Beek portrayed Sean Bateman in the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's The Rules of Attraction.
2003: Return to Off-Broadway
After Dawson's Creek ended in 2003, James Van Der Beek returned to off-Broadway in Lanford Wilson's Rain Dance.
2003: Dawson's Creek Ends
In 2003, Dawson's Creek concluded its run after six seasons.
2006: The Plague Release
In 2006, James Van Der Beek appeared in the Direct-to-DVD thriller The Plague.
2007: Criminal Minds Guest Appearance
In 2007, James Van Der Beek guest-starred in Criminal Minds as serial killer Tobias Hankel.
2008: How I Met Your Mother Appearance
In 2008, James Van Der Beek appeared on How I Met Your Mother as Simon Tremblay.
2008: One Tree Hill Recurring Role
In 2008, James Van Der Beek began a recurring role on One Tree Hill as a filmmaker.
2009: Taken In Broad Daylight and Film Festival Win
In 2009, James Van Der Beek portrayed Anthony Steven "Tony Zappa" Wright in Taken In Broad Daylight and won Best Actor at the San Diego Film Festival for Formosa Betrayed.
2009: Formosa Betrayed Film Credit
In 2009, James Van Der Beek's film credits included Formosa Betrayed.
January 5, 2010: Cast in Mercy
On January 5, 2010, it was reported that James Van Der Beek had been cast in a recurring role on the NBC medical drama Mercy.
February 26, 2010: Formosa Betrayed Theatrical Release
Formosa Betrayed, starring James Van Der Beek, received a U.S. theatrical release beginning February 26, 2010.
2011: Kesha Music Video Appearance
In 2011, James Van Der Beek played Kesha's nemesis in her music video for "Blow" and starred on ABC's Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.
2012: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
In 2012, James Van Der Beek played a fictionalized version of himself on the ABC sitcom Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.
2013: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
In 2013, James Van Der Beek played a fictionalized version of himself on the ABC sitcom Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23.
2013: Return to How I Met Your Mother
In 2013, James Van Der Beek returned for two more episodes of How I Met Your Mother.
2013: Labor Day Film Credit
In 2013, James Van Der Beek's film credits included Labor Day.
March 4, 2015: CSI: Cyber Debut
On March 4, 2015, James Van Der Beek began his role as Senior Field Agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber.
2015: CSI: Cyber Role
In 2015, James Van Der Beek starred as FBI agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber.
2016: CSI: Cyber Role
In 2016, James Van Der Beek starred as FBI agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber.
2017: Appearances in Carters Get Rich, Downsizing, and Vampirina
In 2017, James Van Der Beek appeared in Carters Get Rich, Downsizing, and voiced Boris Hauntley in Vampirina.
2018: Pose Appearance
In 2018, James Van Der Beek appeared as Matt Bromley during the first season of the FX drama Pose.
2019: Cast in Pose
In 2019, James Van Der Beek was cast as Matt Bromley on the FX drama Pose.
2020: Bad Hair Film Credit
In 2020, James Van Der Beek's film credits included Bad Hair.
2025: Competed on The Masked Singer
In 2025, James Van Der Beek competed on season thirteen of The Masked Singer as "Griffin".
2026: Posthumous Appearances
In 2026, James Van Der Beek will posthumously appear in John Burr feature film The Gates by Lionsgate Premiere, and the Legally Blonde prequel television series Elle.
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