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 played notable roles, including a fictionalized version of himself in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 (2012-2013), FBI Agent Elijah Mundo in CSI: Cyber (2015-2016), and Matt Bromley in Pose (2018). Van Der Beek's career has spanned various television genres, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

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: Feature Film Debut in Angus

In 1995, James Van Der Beek made his feature film debut as a sadistic bully in Angus.

1996: Role in I Love You, I Love You Not

In 1996, James Van Der Beek shot a small role in the independent film I Love You, I Love You Not.

1997: Dawson's Creek Audition

In early 1997, James Van Der Beek auditioned for the television pilot of Dawson's Creek.

1997: Filming of Cash Crop

In the spring of 1997, James Van Der Beek played a supporting role in the independent film Cash Crop, originally titled Harvest.

1998: Film Debut in Varsity Blues

In 1998, James Van Der Beek appeared in the film Varsity Blues.

1998: Dawson's Creek Debut

In 1998, James Van Der Beek portrayed Dawson Leery on The WB's Dawson's Creek.

1999: Starring in Varsity Blues

In 1999, James Van Der Beek starred in the teen football drama Varsity Blues and won an MTV Movie Award for his role.

2001: Texas Rangers Film

In 2001, James Van Der Beek starred in the film Texas Rangers.

2001: Release of Cash Crop

In 2001, the independent film Cash Crop, in which James Van Der Beek played a supporting role, was released after being filmed in 1997.

2002: The Rules of Attraction Film

In 2002, James Van Der Beek appeared in the film The Rules of Attraction.

2002: Role in The Rules of Attraction

In 2002, James Van Der Beek played Sean Bateman in the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis's novel, The Rules of Attraction.

2003: Return to Off-Broadway and Screenplay

After Dawson's Creek ended in 2003, James Van Der Beek returned to off-Broadway in Lanford Wilson's Rain Dance and completed a screenplay titled Winning.

2003: Return to Off-Broadway

In 2003, James Van Der Beek returned to off-Broadway, briefly appearing in the play Rain Dance.

2003: End of Dawson's Creek

In 2003, the WB series Dawson's Creek, starring James Van Der Beek as Dawson Leery, ended its run.

2006: Appearance in The Plague

In 2006, James Van Der Beek appeared in the direct-to-DVD thriller The Plague.

2007: Guest Role on Criminal Minds

In 2007, James Van Der Beek guest-starred in Criminal Minds, playing a serial killer named Tobias Hankel.

2008: Recurring Role on One Tree Hill

In 2008, James Van Der Beek began a recurring role on One Tree Hill as a filmmaker.

2008: Guest Appearance on How I Met Your Mother

In 2008, James Van Der Beek made a guest appearance on How I Met Your Mother as Robin Scherbatsky’s early boyfriend.

2009: Portrayal of Anthony Wright

In 2009, James Van Der Beek portrayed real life kidnapper Anthony Steven "Tony Zappa" Wright in the Lifetime film Taken In Broad Daylight.

2009: Formosa Betrayed Film

In 2009, James Van Der Beek starred in the film Formosa Betrayed.

January 5, 2010: Recurring Role on Mercy

On January 5, 2010, James Van Der Beek was cast in a recurring role on the television series Mercy as Dr. Joe Briggs.

February 26, 2010: Formosa Betrayed Theatrical Release

On February 26, 2010, the film Formosa Betrayed, starring James Van Der Beek, was distributed theatrically in the United States.

2011: Appearance in Kesha's Music Video

In 2011, James Van Der Beek portrayed Kesha's nemesis in her music video for "Blow".

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: Labor Day Film

In 2013, James Van Der Beek appeared in the film Labor Day.

2013: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 Concluded

In 2013, James Van Der Beek's role as a fictionalized version of himself on Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 came to an end.

March 4, 2015: Role on CSI: Cyber

On March 4, 2015, James Van Der Beek began his role as Senior Field Agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber.

2015: CSI: Cyber Star

In 2015, James Van Der Beek began starring on CSI: Cyber as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo.

2016: End of CSI: Cyber Role

In 2016, James Van Der Beek concluded his role as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo on CSI: Cyber.

2017: Appearance in Carters Get Rich and Downsizing

In 2017, James Van Der Beek appeared in the British comedy series Carters Get Rich and made a cameo in the film Downsizing.

2018: Appearance on Pose

In 2018, James Van Der Beek appeared as Matt Bromley on the first season of the FX drama Pose.

2019: Cast in Pose

In 2019, James Van Der Beek was cast in the Emmy-nominated show Pose as Matt Bromley.

2020: Bad Hair Film

In 2020, James Van Der Beek appeared in the film Bad Hair.

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