The entertainment world is mourning the loss of American actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Known for his iconic roles in the ’90s teen drama Dawson’s Creek and the film Varsity Blues, Van Der Beek’s public announcement of his diagnosis came in late 2024.
His wife, Kimberly, shared the heartbreaking news via his Instagram page, stating, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.”
Van Der Beek was a devoted father to six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
Tributes Pour In from Hollywood Peers
The news of Van Der Beek’s passing has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from his colleagues and friends in Hollywood, who have taken to social media to share their cherished memories.
Melissa Joan Hart, who starred alongside Van Der Beek in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, fondly recalled their early days. “I’m heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away,” she wrote, accompanying her post with a photo of them from Clarissa Explains It All. “He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on-screen kiss when he guest-starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll. Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight.” She also shared a recent encounter, noting, “We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 6 kids, his wife and family!”
Alfonso Ribeiro, host of Dancing with the Stars and beloved for his role as Carlton on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, expressed deep sorrow. “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today,” he posted, sharing a picture of himself and Van Der Beek. “He was my true friend, brother, and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
Sarah Michelle Gellar, who rose to fame with Buffy the Vampire Slayer during the same era as Dawson’s Creek, shared her profound sadness. “I grew up alongside James Van Der Beek,” she wrote on an Instagram Story featuring a photo of them as teenagers. “He was one of the good guys. This is a true loss.” She later added on X, “I’m so sad for your beautiful family. While James’ legacy will always live on, this is a huge loss to not just your family but the world. F–k Cancer.”
Busy Philipps, who starred as Audrey Liddell in Dawson’s Creek, described Van Der Beek as “one in a billion” and “forever missed.” Her emotional Instagram post conveyed her deep grief: “My heart is deeply hurting for all of us today…every person who knew James and loved him, anyone who loved his work or had the pleasure of meeting him, all of his dear friends and community that surrounded him as he battled this illness, especially his parents and brother and sister. But I am profoundly heartbroken for his incredible wife Kimberly and their six magical children. There is a go fund me for them to help out and I’ll put the link in my stories. James Van Der Beek was one in a billion and he will be forever missed and I don’t know what else to say. I am just so so sad. He was my friend and I loved him and I’m so grateful for our friendship all these years.”
Selma Blair, who began her acting career around the same time as Van Der Beek, shared a touching photo of them together. “I always just admired and appreciated you so much,” the Legally Blonde star wrote. “And then even more so when I met your wife and saw your complete love for that growing family in a way that bowled me over with gratitude that you existed … And you always will through them. And your work. And your heart. You will be missed … I send all my love to your beautiful family. So much love.”
Alyssa Milano, known for her role in Charmed, hailed Van Der Beek as a “unicorn of a man,” highlighting his kindness, talent, and profound love for his family. “There are people in this industry who are talented. Some who are charismatic. A few who are generous,” she captioned a family photo of the actor. “And then there were the rare ones—the truly kind and thoughtful. James was the rare kind. He showed up for his people. He listened. He cared. More than anything, he loved being a husband and a father. There are few who cherish that role more deeply than he did. Just a unicorn of a man. My heart aches for his family. But I know he will be a part of everything they do forevermore. Every flower. Every giggle. Everything. Always. That’s what his kind of love does.”
Ashton Kutcher paid a brief but poignant tribute on X, stating he had “had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” and wished him “RIP.”
Chad Michael Murray, who shared the screen with Van Der Beek in One Tree Hill, described him as “a giant.” He added, “We’re so so so sorry for what you’re going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us- he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys.”
Jennifer Garner shared her condolences: “What a heartbreaking loss. So much love to you, Kimberly, and to your kids, as you navigate this tender time.”
Eric Stonestreet, known for Modern Family, remembered Van Der Beek for his “kind, generous, thoughtful and beautiful soul,” adding, “There is no doubt those traits will live on through his wife and gorgeous children.”
Actress Jenna Dewan wrote, “I will always and forever remember your sweet gentle soul.”
Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, commented on Van Der Beek’s exemplary role as a husband and father. “My dear wonderful friends I love you all, I am keeping you all in my heart. I’m so lucky to have had you in my life for so long,” she wrote. “James set the bar as a husband and a father and big brother (to me) I am so grateful to have witnessed your love and respect and care for each other. Sending all the love and light to you all.”
Patricia Arquette lauded the late actor as “one of a kind” and “the best.”
James Van Der Beek’s enduring impact on television and film, coupled with the profound affection and respect he garnered from his peers, ensures his legacy will continue to inspire. His battle with cancer, faced with such grace, serves as a testament to his character, and the outpouring of love from the entertainment community underscores the significant void his absence leaves.
