James Van Der Beek’s passing on Wednesday has affected the entirety of the Hollywood community, with everyone from Zoe Saldaña to Katie Holmes sharing touching tributes to the Dawson’s Creek star.
James, who announced in November 2024 that he had been battling colorectal cancer for some time, died on February 11, 2026, aged 48. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and his six children, including Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four.
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Alfonso Ribeiro took to Instagram to share his grief over his close friend’s passing, and posted an emotional photo of the pair that pictured their last moment together.
In the photo, Alfonso cradled James’ beanie-clad head as he lay in a hospital bed. “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 in the caption.
Although not much is known about their close bond, Alfonso and James likely met in 2019 when the latter competed on Season 28 of Dancing With the Stars with Emma Slater. Alfonso co-hosts the show alongside Julianne Hough and also serves as godfather to James’ daughter Gwendolyn.
Supporters rushed to the comment section to share their condolences with Alfonso, with one writing: “There is something incredibly peaceful about this moment. There is so much heartbreak and yet so much love,” while another added: “I’m so glad he had you in his last moments! What a beautiful post. Gentle and kind. Thank you, sir.”
© Alamy Stock Photo“Sharing this is so powerful for families who have journeyed this heartbreaking road as well,” said a third, while another wrote: “Sending you so much love.” Alfonso also paid tribute to James mere hours after his death on Wednesday with a photo of the duo sitting at a table together in happier times.
Learn more about James’ cancer battle below…
“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer,” he began in the caption. “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 [sic] as one of the most important roles of my life,” he continued. “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.”
© InstagramJames’ wife Kim announced the sad news of his death on Wednesday in a statement that read: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
© Instagram“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 father of six announced his diagnosis in 2024, a year after he had learned the news himself. Due to the extensive medical costs, his family asked for donations to a GoFundMe that has now surpassed $2 million and has seen the likes of Zoe Saldaña, Derek Hough, Busy Phillips, Steven Spielberg and Jenna Dewan donate to the cause.
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