From 1998 to 2003, James Van Der Beek was one of the most charismatic idols on television thanks to the series Dawson's Creek. No other role could overshadow this cathodic drama whose cast mourns the loss of the actor who passed away at 48 years old.
Diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, which the actor only revealed to his fans the following year, led to his death.
His second wife, actress and producer Kimberly Brook (44), announced his passing on social media: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He spent his last 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 privacy and respect as we mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend."
The couple met in 2009 on a trip to Israel, and their encounter led to a beautiful love story. James felt that Kimberly was his soulmate with whom to start a family. They started living together six months later and soon welcomed their first of six children, Olivia (15).
Despite experiencing some miscarriages, the Van Der Beek family quickly grew with Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4). The actor's Instagram posts often showed his love for his family.
"It can be exhausting, but we love the chaos," Van Der Beek said about fatherhood. He enjoyed seeing his children form a small tribe and take care of each other.
Initially living in a small mansion in Beverly Hills, the family moved to the outskirts of Austin (Texas) in 2020 to be closer to nature, settling on a 14.5-hectare ranch. The property included a main house of nearly 500 square meters, several cabins, a pool, and a garden overlooking the Pedernales River.
In this vast land, Van Der Beek's children roamed freely, picked fruits and vegetables, and played outdoors. The move, despite challenges such as the death of James's mother, Kimberly's health issues, a failed business, and professional setbacks due to the pandemic, was worth it as the actor was proud of what he had achieved personally.
In September 2025, a heartwarming moment occurred when his Dawson's Creek colleagues, Michelle Williams (45), Joshua Jackson (47), Katie Holmes (47), and other actors from the series, gathered in New York to raise funds for the organization Fuck Cancer, which focuses on colorectal cancer research.
Due to two stomach viruses, the actor couldn't attend but participated via video call. The highlight of the event was seeing his wife and six children surrounded by his colleagues. "All that love that would have otherwise been directed at me was directed at my family. It was one of the most beautiful moments I have witnessed. I am very grateful to the fans for doing that."
In November of the same year, Van Der Beek auctioned off items from the series that propelled him to stardom to cover his treatment costs.
His latest upcoming project is the series Elle. James Van Der Beek was previously married to actress Heather McComb (48) from 2003 to 2010.