James Van Der Beek, known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, paid tribute to his family in a heartfelt post just two weeks before his passing due to advanced colorectal cancer.
The 48-year-old actor’s family announced his death on Wednesday via social media, revealing he had succumbed to the disease after fighting it for two and a half years.
“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,” the family stated.
Van Der Beek maintained a focus on what mattered most to him during his illness, prioritizing time with his wife Kimberley and their six children.
His final social media post, shared two weeks before his death, was centered around his family.
On January 26, Van Der Beek celebrated his daughter Annabel and his father Jim, noting they shared the same birthday.
“My father and my daughter share a birthday today,” he began. “At first, I thought that was all they shared – they seemed so different to me.”
“But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart.”
“I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you’re in more fun.”
“Different senses of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this.
“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good.”
“You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life.
“The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart ❤️.”
Accompanying the message were two photos depicting touching moments – one of James embracing his daughter and the other of Annabel and Jim hugging.
Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, Van Der Beek initially kept his fight private, going public in November 2024.
In his fight against cancer, he explored various treatments and even sold memorabilia from his roles in Dawson’s Creek and Varsity Blues to cover medical expenses.
The financial burden has left his family in a precarious position, with his widow Kimberley facing an uncertain future.
A GoFundMe, established by Kimberly’s friends, indicates that covering James’s medical expenses has exhausted the family’s finances, leaving them struggling to maintain their home after his death on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” the GoFundMe description reads.
“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” it continued. “The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”