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Beloved actor James Van Der Beek, best known for his role in the iconic television series Dawson’s Creek, left the world with a poignant tribute to his family before his untimely passing on Wednesday, February 11. Van Der Beek, who succumbed to colorectal cancer at the age of 48, used his final Instagram post to honor both his father and his daughter, who share the same birthday.
In a photo carousel posted January 25, the late actor paid tribute to his 12-year-old daughter, Annabel, and his father, James, on their joint birthday.
In the heartfelt message, Van Der Beek reflected on the unique bond between his father and daughter, initially perceiving them as quite different. “At first, I thought that was all they shared – they seemed so different to me,” he admitted. However, as time passed, he drew parallels between their personalities, recognizing the same “open, warm, loving, gentle heart” in both.
The actor went on to praise the care and dedication they both exhibit towards their loved ones, as well as their “out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality.” He noted how both individuals have the ability to transform any room they enter, with different senses of humor yet a shared talent for subtly enhancing the atmosphere around them.
Despite the chaos of the world, Van Der Beek marveled at how they both managed to remain so “open, tender, and genuinely good.” The Varsity Blues star expressed deep gratitude for their presence in his life, emphasizing that “the world is a better place because the two of you are in it.”
“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good,” the Varsity Blues star added. “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.”
The father of six, who shares his children with wife Kimberly, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023. He made his diagnosis public in November 2024.
In recent months, he was scheduled to reunite with his fellow Dawson’s Creek cast members in September, but dropped out at the last minute due to his health.
His family issued a statement on Wednesday following his death.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the post on his Instagram read. “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,” the statement continued. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
Van Der Beek is also survived by children Olivia (born in 2010), Joshua (born in 2012), Emilia (born in 2016), Gwendolyn (born in 2018) and Jeremiah (born in 2021).