Actor James Van Der Beek Passed Away on February 11
At just 48 years old, actor James Van Der Beek passed away from a brave fight against colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly, announced the devastating news on his Instagram page, writing, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning.”
She continued, “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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.”
James and Kimberly shared six children together: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
Van Der Beek was known for his roles as Dawson Leery on the hit WB teen drama Dawson’s Creek and as Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, the backup quarterback in the movie Varsity Blues.
As soon as news of his passing went public, his friends began posting emotional tributes. Dawson’s Creek co-stars Katie Holmes and Busy Philips both penned tributes, calling him a “hero,” and sharing a GoFundMe for Kimberly and his children, who are left with an “uncertain future” after James’ death.
Along with being an important member of the Dawson’s Creek family, James was also a member of the Dancing With The Stars family.
James competed on Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars in 2019 with pro partner Emma Slater. He came in fifth place behind the winner Hannah Brown, runner-up Kel Mitchell, third-place finisher Ally Brooke, and Lauren Alaina in fourth place.
The show paid tribute to the actor on social media, writing, “James brought passion, vulnerability, and determination to the ballroom and connected deeply with audiences through his journey on ‘Dancing with the Stars.‘ He will always be part of our Dancing family. We are heartbroken to hear about his passing and send our sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Judge Carrie Ann Inaba commented, “My heart hurt when I read the news today of his passing. 🙏Sending love and prayers to his family, Kimberly, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah. 🕊️ Rest in Everlasting Peace James. 🕊️”
Host Alfonso Ribeiro shared a sweet post, which showed how close of friends the two were. He said, “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend brother and life guide.”
Ribeiro revealed that he was by James’ side during his entire cancer fight, and was so close to the actor that he is James and Kimberly’s daughter Gwendolyn’s godfather.
The DWTS host later shared a photo taken by Kimberly Van Der Beek of him saying his last goodbye to James.
“This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already,” he wrote alongside the heartbreaking photo.
Judge Derek Hough also took time to honor James with a video that James had posted during his cancer fight.
“My heart is heavy hearing about James’ passing. I immediately thought of this video he shared, it moved me to tears the first time I saw it, and it moves me even more now. I wanted to honor his memory by sharing,” the judge wrote.
His Partner, Emma Slater, Remembers Him As Her “Big Brother”
“My partner. My big brother. Over the many photos we’ve taken over the years, this one is still my favorite. Dancing and laughing. It’s what we do,” she wrote. “Nothing I can write seems ok. All those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives are blessed. Forever changed by your brilliance. We got to have these beautiful years sharing life together. It started with being dance partners and I was beyond excited to be dancing with you, and it continued into the deepest of friendships.”
Emma continued, saying how much his love for his family changed her life, and everything she loved about him.
She signed off by saying, “I’m lucky to have known the man that you are. You have done so much, helped so many people. You’ll be forever in my heart. And now I know whenever I’m guided, I’ll be guided by you 🤍 I love you partner.”
Not long after, she shared a video of her and James performing their samba routine at his Texas ranch for some friends and family four years after their time on the show together.
“He loved to dance! And I know he’s still dancing,” she captioned the post before revealing this dancewas his wife’s favorite, which is why it was so special to them both.
Watch their dance below.