James Van Der Beek's Widow Shares Heartbreaking Birthday Tribute

Kimberly Van Der Beek honored her late husband on what would have been his 49th birthday.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Kimberly Van Der Beek, the widow of actor James Van Der Beek, shared a heartbreaking tribute on Instagram to mark what would have been her late husband's 49th birthday. She posted dozens of photos and videos of the "Dawson's Creek" star, including moments with their six children, and wrote that he was "the best humanity had to offer." Van Der Beek died in February 2025 at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Why it matters

James Van Der Beek was a beloved actor known for his role on the hit TV show "Dawson's Creek." His death at a young age due to cancer was a tragic loss for his family and fans. Kimberly's tribute sheds light on the profound impact he had on those closest to him and the lasting legacy he left behind.

The details

Kimberly shared numerous photos and videos of James Van Der Beek, including moments of him working on their land, dancing with their children, and cradling their newborns. She wrote that she will "cherish forever" the way he "revered" her and "held our newborns." Kimberly also revealed that just two days before his death, she and James renewed their wedding vows, with their friends helping to make the moment special.

  • James Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2025 at the age of 48.
  • March 8, 2026 would have been James Van Der Beek's 49th birthday.

The players

James Van Der Beek

An American actor best known for his role as Dawson Leery on the teen drama series "Dawson's Creek." He died in 2025 at the age of 48 after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

Kimberly Van Der Beek

The widow of actor James Van Der Beek. She shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late husband on what would have been his 49th birthday.

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What they’re saying

“Would be your 49th birthday today. And I'm missing you tremendously.”

— Kimberly Van Der Beek (Instagram)

“You are the light of our lives. Your love. Beauty. Presence. Tenderness. Protection. Safety. Creativity. Singing.”

— Kimberly Van Der Beek (Instagram)

“Baby, you were the best humanity had to offer, this is a loss I don't know how to process. I will love you forever.”

— Kimberly Van Der Beek (Instagram)

The takeaway

James Van Der Beek's untimely death at 48 due to colorectal cancer was a tragic loss for his family and fans. Kimberly's heartfelt tribute on what would have been his 49th birthday underscores the profound impact he had on those closest to him and the lasting legacy he left behind.