Alfonso Ribeiro revealed he’s the godfather of considered one of James Van Der Beek’s surviving kids as he paid tribute to the late Dawson’s Creek star.
“I’m so damaged proper now with the passing of my buddy @vanderjames at the moment. He was my true buddy, brother and life information,” Ribiero, 54, wrote by way of Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, after information broke of Van Der Beek’s loss of life following a most cancers battle. The late actor was 48.
“I used to be with him by means of this horrible journey to beat most cancers. His household and associates went on this curler coaster journey,” he continued. “The highs when it regarded like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming again. I’ve realized a lot from James. He and @vanderkimberly modified my life. I’ll without end be in debt for all they’ve given me and my household. He’ll reside without end in my coronary heart.”
Ribeiro vowed to be there for the Varsity Blues star’s six childrentogether with Gwendolyn, 7, who’s his goddaughter. James and his spouse of 16 years, Kimberly Van Der Beekadditionally shared Olivia (born in 2010) Joshua (born in 2012), Annabel (born in 2014), Emilia (born in 2016), and Jeremiah (born in 2021).
James Van Der Beek’s closest associates are offering a particular glimpse into the actor’s remaining days on Earth. Earlier than the Dawson’s Creek star died on Wednesday, February 11, after a stage III colorectal most cancers prognosis, shut buddies, together with Dancing With the Stars cohost Alfonso Ribeiro and Regulation & Order alum Mehcad Brooks had been in a position to (…)
“I’ll at all times be there for his or her kids,” Ribeiro continued. “I’ll at all times maintain my function as Gwen’s Goddie Daddy as probably the most necessary roles of my life. I really like you James and know I’ve a guardian angel watching over me. With the ability to say goodbye this weekend will at all times reside with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
The actor’s loss of life was introduced by way of his Instagram account on Wednesday.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek handed peacefully this morning. He met his remaining days with braveness, religion, and charm,” an announcement shared by way of his Instagram learn. “There’s a lot to share relating to his needs, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. These days will come. For now we ask for peaceable privateness as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and buddy.”
Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek.
(Picture courtesy of Alfonso Ribeiro/ Instagram)The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Workplace confirmed James was pronounced lifeless at 6:44 a.m. on Wednesday. A medical skilled made the decision to their workplace.
James introduced his stage 3 colorectal most cancers prognosis in November 2024.
“I’ve been privately coping with this prognosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the assist of my unbelievable household,” he advised Folks on the time. “There’s cause for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
The solid of Dawson’s Creek shared their public assist for James Van Der Beek’s most cancers battle earlier than his loss of life. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek handed peacefully this morning. He met his remaining days with braveness, religion, and charm,” James’ spouse, Kimberly Van Der Beek, wrote by way of Instagram in February 2026. “There’s a lot (…)
Following James’ loss of life, his widow Kimberly arrange a GoFundMe to assist tackle the monetary points their household is grappling with after the actor’s most cancers battle
“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and buddy who touched the lives of everybody round him,” the GoFundMe web page learn. “After an extended and brave battle with most cancers, James handed away on February 11, 2026 forsaking his devoted spouse, Kimberly, and their six great kids. All through his sickness, the household confronted not solely emotional challenges but additionally important monetary pressure as they did every little thing potential to assist James and supply for his care.”