Jared Van Der Beek has penned a touching tribute to his brother, James Van Der Beek, the well-known Dawson’s Creek actor who passed away at 48 after battling colorectal cancer.
The Van Der Beek family made the announcement of his passing on Instagram on February 11, stating he ‘passed peacefully’ and faced his final days with ‘courage, faith, and grace’.
The actor, also recognized for his role in Varsity Blues, revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. He sought medical advice after noticing changes in his bowel movements, which he initially attributed to his coffee consumption.
In an interview with People, Van Der Beek recalled the moment he learned of his condition: “I felt really good coming out of anesthesia, that I’d finally done it. Then the gastroenterologist said — in his most pleasant bedside manner — that it was cancer. I think I went into shock.”
Throughout his illness, the actor dedicated time to raising awareness about colorectal cancer while cherishing moments with family and friends. His brother, Jared, recently expressed the depth of his grief, acknowledging he ‘didn’t know [the loss] would hurt so badly’.
Jared’s Instagram post included a collection of photos with James, captioned with a simple, heartfelt “Love you, Bro.”
Jared wrote about the bond with his brother: “There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken.
“I now know why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly. He was my person, the one I went to for any and all things. I’ve looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him.”
Reflecting on his brother’s life, Jared noted it was ‘wonderful’ to see how James ‘touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was’.
He added, “He shared with an open heart and with his wise soul. As painful as this pain deep in the heart is, the healing has already begun with all the outpouring of love, prayers, and support. I truly thank all of you have taken the time to reach out, letting me know that you’re there. The community of people who were intimately involved in his passing were nothing short of amazing.”
Jared expressed gratitude toward ‘everyone known and unknown who helped his transition be as beautiful as possible’, concluding his tribute with a personal message to James.
“James, I already miss your physical being and your words of wisdom over the phone,” he wrote. “Yet, I also feel your presence so strongly and I know you will continue to be guiding me. Thank you for living your life with me. I love you.”
In the wake of Van Der Beek’s passing, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist with ‘essential living expenses, pay bills, and support [his] children’s education’. To date, the fundraiser has amassed over $2.5 million.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact GrieveWell at (734) 975-0238, or email [email protected].
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone confidentially, reach out to the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.