This celebrity goo was created by Scott Hardie.

This goo was worth a point in February 2026.

publication date: Friday, February 13, 2026 (part of February 2026)

category: Television

clue: This recently departed actor might have been destined for his breakout role as the titular character on a WB teen sitcom, since his Dutch surname translates into English as "from the creek."

explanation: Van Der Beek starred in Dawson's Creek. more…

intended difficulty: very easy

solved by: Russ Wilhelm, Steve West, Samir Mehta, and Richard Slominsky


Similar Goos

James Van Der Beek

he's a long way from his creek Go »

Joseph Wapner

He dated Lana Turner and earned a Purple Heart, but history will judge him for his groundbreaking 12-year tenure courting an audience of the people. Go »

Alison Hammond

After two weeks of living with her big brother, she was ready to get out of there this very morning, but now she's a fixture of Great British television. Go »

Paul Reiser

Switching between drama like Diner, comedy like Beverly Hills Cop, action like Aliens, and horror like Stranger Things might have given a lesser actor whiplash, but despite this one's versatility, he remains best known for two sitcoms, as a second dad in the 1980s and a mad husband in the 1990s. Go »

Jason Alexander

This Seinfeld semi-regular never rode into Prussia. Go »

Rosie O'Donnell

O' great, a broad that likes Broadway. Go »