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A recent slip-up on a radio show saw a host mistakenly link the late James Van Der Beek with the legendary Dick Van Dyke.
On Heart Radio’s Breakfast Show, aired Thursday, February 12, host Ashley Roberts reportedly declared, “Dick Van Dyke of Dawson’s Creek fame has passed away,” as reported by The Mirror.
Roberts, 44, known for her time with The Pussycat Dolls, was promptly corrected by co-hosts Amanda Holden and Jamie Theakston, according to the publication.
Theakston interjected, “Not Dick Van Dyke – get it right. If you’re delivering an obituary, you can’t just throw in Dick Van Dyke.”
Adding humor, Holden chimed in, “He’s still with us,” prompting Roberts to respond, “Yes, indeed – he’s 100 years old!”
“Unbelievably, he’s very much still alive,” Theakston added.
Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday in December.
Roberts then apologized for her mix-up, admitting, “Oh my gosh, we spoke about this, I’m so sorry,” before explaining it was actually Van Der Beek who passed.
As In Touch previously reported, the Varsity Blues actor tragically died on Wednesday, February 11, at 48 years old, following his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Van Der Beek — who shares six kids with wife Kimberly — was diagnosed with cancer in August 2023 and shared his diagnosis with the world in November 2024.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” a statement posted to Van Der Beek’s Instagram on Wednesday read. “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.”
A GoFundMe was set up by Kimberly’s friends and has already raised over $1.6 million at the time of publication.