James Van Der Beek’s final Instagram post saw the actor gush over his daughter and father just weeks before his passing, aged 48.
The ’90s star, who shot to fame via a leading role in Dawson’s Creek, revealed that he had been diagnosed with bowel cancer in November 2024, while preparing to appear on US charity TV special The Real Full Monty.
A statement published on Van Der Beek’s Instagram page on Wednesday, February 11 reads:
“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.”
In November 2025, Van Der Beek announced that he would be auctioning off memorabilia and various “treasures” he had accumulated from his time in TV and film in order to fund his cancer treatment.
The actor is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and the couple’s six children, Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.
Though an official cause of death has not yet been confirmed, Van Der Beek’s struggles with cancer – and the strain it placed on his loved ones – were front and center in a GoFundMe page established in light of his passing.
“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future,” the GoFundMe page states.
“The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. 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. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”
In a heartbreaking final post to Instagram before his death, dated January 25, Van Der Beek celebrated the birthdays of his daughter and his father.
“My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared – they seemed so different to me,” the post reads.
“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,” he wrote. “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.”
The actor went on: “In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good,” he continued. “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.”
In March 2025, Van Der Beek revealed that it felt as though he was face-to-face with death, as per PEOPLE.
“This year, I had to look my own mortality in the eye,” he said at the time.
“I came nose to nose with death. All of those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me. I was away for treatment so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife. I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them.”
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