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 (2012-2013), starred in CSI: Cyber (2015-2016) as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo, and appeared in the FX drama Pose (2018). Van Der Beek's career spans various television roles, highlighting his versatility as a performer.
1993: Off-Broadway Debut in Finding the Sun
In 1993, at the age of 16, James Van Der Beek made his professional debut off-Broadway in the New York premiere of Edward Albee's play "Finding the Sun" with the Signature Theatre Company, playing the role of "Fergus".
1995: Film Debut in Angus
In 1995, while still in high school, 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, while still in high school, James Van Der Beek shot a small role in the independent film "I Love You, I Love You Not".
1997: Auditioning for Dawson's Creek
In early 1997, James Van Der Beek auditioned for three television pilots, including "Dawson's Creek".
1997: Filming Cash Crop
In the spring of 1997, James Van Der Beek played a supporting role in the independent film "Cash Crop", which was originally titled "Harvest".
1998: Debut of Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues
In 1998, James Van Der Beek gained recognition for his role as Dawson Leery on The WB's "Dawson's Creek", which aired from 1998 to 2003. In 1998, he also appeared in the film "Varsity Blues".
1998: Debut of Dawson's Creek
In 1998, James Van Der Beek won the title role of Dawson Leery in "Dawson's Creek", and the show's debut was a success.
1998: Varsity Blues Film Credit
In 1998, James Van Der Beek's film credits included "Varsity Blues".
1999: Starring in Varsity Blues
In 1999, James Van Der Beek starred in the teen football drama "Varsity Blues", which was a box office success, and he won an MTV Movie Award for his role.
2001: Texas Rangers Film Credit
In 2001, James Van Der Beek's film credits included "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, having been originally shot in the spring of 1997 and originally titled "Harvest".
2002: Role in The Rules of Attraction
In 2002, James Van Der Beek played Sean Bateman in the film adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis' novel "The Rules of Attraction".
2002: The Rules of Attraction Film Credit
In 2002, James Van Der Beek's film credits included "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: End of Dawson's Creek
In 2003, "Dawson's Creek", where James Van Der Beek played Dawson Leery, ended its run.
2003: Appearance in Rain Dance
In 2003, James Van Der Beek appeared off-Broadway in the play "Rain Dance" briefly.
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 a two-part episode of the series "Criminal Minds", playing a serial killer.
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 Simon, one of Robin Scherbatsky’s early boyfriends.
2009: Portrayal of Anthony Steven Wright and Best Actor Award
In 2009, James Van Der Beek portrayed real life kidnapper Anthony Steven "Tony Zappa" Wright in the Lifetime network television film "Taken In Broad Daylight". In 2009, he also won Best Actor at the San Diego Film Festival for his role in "Formosa Betrayed".
2009: Formosa Betrayed Film Credit
In 2009, James Van Der Beek's film credits included "Formosa Betrayed".
January 5, 2010: Casting in Mercy
On January 5, 2010, it was confirmed that James Van Der Beek had been cast in a major recurring role on the television series "Mercy", playing Dr. Joe Briggs.
February 26, 2010: Theatrical Distribution of Formosa Betrayed
On February 26, 2010, "Formosa Betrayed", starring James Van Der Beek, was distributed theatrically in the United States.
2011: Appearance in Kesha's Music Video and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
In 2011, James Van Der Beek portrayed Kesha's nemesis in her music video for "Blow". He also portrayed a fictionalized version of himself on the television series "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23".
2012: Starring in Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23
In 2012, James Van Der Beek starred as a fictionalized version of himself on the ABC sitcom "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23".
2013: Labor Day Film Credit
In 2013, James Van Der Beek's film credits included "Labor Day".
2013: Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23 End
In 2013, the ABC sitcom "Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23", where James Van Der Beek played a fictionalized version of himself, ended.
March 4, 2015: Debut on CSI: Cyber
On March 4, 2015, James Van Der Beek began his role as Senior Field Agent Elijah Mundo on "CSI: Cyber".
2015: Starring on CSI: Cyber
In 2015, James Van Der Beek starred on "CSI: Cyber" as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo.
2016: End of role on CSI: Cyber
In 2016, James Van Der Beek's role as FBI Agent Elijah Mundo on "CSI: Cyber" concluded.
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". He also voices Boris Hauntley in the Disney Junior show "Vampirina".
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 "Pose" as Matt Bromley on FX for one season.
2020: Bad Hair Film Credit
In 2020, James Van Der Beek's film credits included "Bad Hair".
2025: Appearance on The Masked Singer
In 2025, James Van Der Beek competed on season thirteen of "The Masked Singer" as "Griffin" and was eliminated in the "Group B Finals: Grand Ole Opry Night".
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