Van Der Beek’s Most Underrated Roles—the Ones Fans Keep Discovering Late
We all know James Van Der Beek. He’s that guy from Dawson’s Creek. He played Dawson Leery, the aspiring filmmaker with a lot of feelings.
But what if I told you there’s more to him than just the Pacey vs. Dawson drama? What if there are some hidden gems in his acting career? These are the roles that fans are stumbling upon later. They’re the ones that make you go, “Wow, I had no idea!”
It’s like finding a secret stash of your favorite candy. Suddenly, you’re revisiting his filmography and realizing how much talent was hiding in plain sight. These roles show a different side of him. They prove he’s not just a one-trick pony.
The Surprisingly Dark Turn in "The Rules of Attraction"
Let’s talk about "The Rules of Attraction." This movie came out in 2002. It’s based on a Bret Easton Ellis novel. You know, the same author who wrote American Psycho.
Van Der Beek plays Sean Bateman. He’s the troubled, drug-fueled younger brother of Patrick Bateman. Yes, that Patrick Bateman.
It's a far cry from the sensitive Dawson. Sean is manipulative, cynical, and a total mess. Van Der Beek dives headfirst into this darkness. He’s utterly compelling to watch.
The film itself is a wild ride. It's full of excess, existential dread, and messed-up relationships. Van Der Beek’s performance anchors it. He brings a chilling vulnerability to Sean.
It’s not an easy watch. But it’s a performance that really sticks with you. Many fans discover this role and are floored by his range. They’re like, “Where has this dark, intense James been all this time?”
The Quirky Charm of "What If"
Now, for something completely different. Let’s shift gears to "What If" (also known as The F Word). This is a romantic comedy from 2013.
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Van Der Beek plays Ben. He’s the supportive, slightly goofy best friend. He’s the kind of friend everyone wishes they had.
His character is not the main love interest. But he steals every scene he’s in. He brings so much heart and humor to the role.
Ben is dealing with his own romantic entanglements. He’s navigating the complexities of modern dating. Van Der Beek’s timing is impeccable. His delivery is just pure gold.
The movie is sweet and funny. It feels very real. Van Der Beek’s performance makes it even more enjoyable. He adds a layer of warmth that is truly special.
It’s the kind of role where you can’t help but smile. You root for him. Fans who find this one often fall in love with his comedic chops. They appreciate his ability to be so relatable.
A Masterclass in Awkwardness: "Friends with Better Lives"
Let’s talk about a show that maybe flew under the radar. It's called "Friends with Better Lives." It was a short-lived sitcom from 2014.
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Van Der Beek played Will. He’s a guy who’s a bit lost. He’s struggling to find his place in the world.
His character is full of self-deprecating humor. He’s incredibly awkward. It's a masterclass in portraying relatable social discomfort.
Van Der Beek leans into the cringey moments. He makes them hilarious. He’s not afraid to look silly. That’s what makes it so endearing.
The show itself might not have lasted long. But his performance is memorable. It shows his comedic timing. It highlights his talent for playing the underdog.
Many viewers discover this series and are surprised. They see him as this awkward, lovable guy. It’s a different energy than Dawson. It’s a testament to his versatility.
The Unexpectedly Hilarious Dad in "Pose"
Here’s one that surprised a lot of people. It's the critically acclaimed series "Pose." Van Der Beek has a recurring role in the first season.
He plays Matt Bromley. He’s an HIV-positive businessman. He’s dealing with a lot of personal issues.
While the show is intense and dramatic, Van Der Beek brings a surprising amount of dry humor. He’s not the flamboyant character you might expect. He's more of a quiet observer with his own struggles.
His scenes are impactful. He adds a grounded perspective. It's a stark contrast to some of the show's more theatrical elements.
Fans of "Pose" are often amazed by his presence. They see him in a completely new light. They appreciate the nuance he brings. It’s a testament to his ability to fit into diverse narratives.
It’s a role that shows his commitment to complex characters. It’s not about being the loudest voice. It’s about adding substance. It’s a role that’s definitely worth seeking out.
The Self-Aware Cameo in "Marry Me"
Let’s talk about a more recent find. The movie "Marry Me" from 2022. It stars Jennifer Lopez and Owen Wilson.
Van Der Beek has a small but memorable role. He plays Colin. He's a record label executive.
His appearance is a bit of a meta joke. He’s playing a character who is aware of his public persona. It’s a nod to his past. It’s done with a wink and a smile.
He’s incredibly charming and funny in his brief screen time. He knows exactly what he's doing. He adds a touch of star power.
It’s the kind of cameo that makes you happy. It’s a reminder of his lasting appeal. Fans who catch this are delighted by his playful approach.
It shows he doesn't take himself too seriously. He’s willing to poke fun at his own legacy. It’s a small role, but it leaves a big impression.
Why These Roles Matter
These underrated roles show us the depth of James Van Der Beek’s talent. He’s not just the sensitive heartthrob. He can do dark. He can do hilarious. He can do heartbreaking.
It’s exciting to discover these performances. It’s like unearthing buried treasure. You start to see an actor’s career in a whole new way.
So next time you see his name, don't just think of Dawson’s Creek. Explore a little. You might just find your new favorite Van Der Beek performance. You might discover a side of him you never knew existed.