James Van Der Beek recently shared an emotional post about New Year’s resolutions, which turned out to be the last video he posted on social media before his passing at the age of 48.
His family announced his death, noting that the Dawson’s Creek star had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. He had publicly disclosed his diagnosis in November 2024, after battling the illness privately for more than a year.
James Van Der Beek leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
A few weeks before his death, the actor posted a thoughtful video on Instagram discussing the timing of New Year’s resolutions, suggesting they be started in the spring rather than on January 1.
In the video dated January 15, he said: “Anyone else out there finding that your New Year’s resolution was impossible to keep? I’m going to say something: I don’t think it’s your fault.
“Why are we celebrating a new year in the dead of winter? Why are we celebrating new beginnings at a time when nature rests?”
He continued: “The time to celebrate a new beginning, and a new you, and a new resolution is in the spring at the vernal equinox – when the flowers bloom, and it gets warmer, and the birds return.”
Van Der Beek concluded the poignant video with: “I’m going to take winter to recover, to rest, and I’m going to make New Year’s resolutions in the spring. Who’s with me?”
The video has received over 400,000 likes as of now.
Although this was his last video, his final Instagram post was a heartfelt tribute to his daughter and father, who share the same birthday.
He wrote about their ‘same open, warm, loving, gentle heart’, adding: “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,” the actor commented.
“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.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and wish to speak with someone confidentially, you can reach the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or through their live chat feature, which is available 24/7 every day of the year.