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James Van Der Beek, beloved for his iconic role in “Dawson’s Creek,” passed away in February after bravely battling cancer. He was 48.
WASHINGTON — On what would have marked James Van Der Beek’s 49th birthday, his 9-year-old daughter offered a touching message for those experiencing grief. Her words resonated with many who continue to cherish the late actor’s memory.
Van Der Beek, whose portrayal in “Dawson’s Creek” endeared him to audiences, succumbed to cancer at 48. Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023, he chose to keep the diagnosis private until November 2024.
Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife, shared their daughter Emilia’s poignant message on Instagram this past Sunday.
“Emilia wanted to make a video to share today,” Kimberly noted in her post. “She stepped outside, and returned with this heartfelt tribute.”
In the video, Emilia is seen speaking directly to the camera, wearing a baseball cap that she said belonged to her dad.
“I’m just going to tell you little tips or anything that helps you get through anybody you love’s passing,” she started.
She then shared her top tips for anyone who is navigating grief: “Talk to them and let your emotions out. If you miss them, you can cry. You can talk to them.”
Emilia said she talks with her dad every day.
“I start with this sentence, and I say, ‘Hi dad, I miss you and I love you so much, and I’ll never stop loving you,’” she shared. “I just tell him about my day and how I’m feeling, and I tell my family how I’m feeling, and I know he can hear me, but I can’t hear him.”
Emilia also encouraged others who are grieving to cry and understand that emotions are complicated, but don’t blame yourself, she said.
“Be happy they’re in a good place. Be sad because you miss them. You can be angry, but don’t blame yourself,” she added. “Blaming yourself is not a good strategy for someone’s passing.”
Emilia said she knew her dad’s death impacted others and spoke to that as well.
“I know that he was a good man,” she said. “He was loved by many, many hearts.”
An online fundraiser began circulating after news broke of Van Der Beek’s death to help support the actor’s family so they could stay in their home after medical bills “left the family out of funds.”
Last November, Van Der Beek auctioned off items from “Dawson’s Creek” and “Varsity Blues” to help cover costs.
Emilia thanked everyone who donated to the fundraiser. “Holy moly, thank you so much. I am blown away,” the 9-year-old said.