James Van Der Beek, the actor who endeared himself to a generation of television viewers as the star of the drama series “Dawson’s Creek,” died Wednesday.

He was 48.

“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife, said on Instagram. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”

“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” she added.