The once-teen heartthrob of TV show Dawson’s Creek tragically lost his battle with colorectal cancer on Wednesday. He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
James Van Der Beek shared heartbreaking last words to fans only weeks before his death, with the much-loved actor sharing an eerie message about the future.
The beloved actor, best known for his breakout role in Dawson’s Creek, died peacefully after his heroic battle with colorectal cancer on Wednesday, February 11, his family has confirmed.
In a clip shared to Instagram, the 48-year-old questioned why people start new beginnings “in the dead of winter,” insisting that “spring is the true time for renewal.”
In the startling clip, Van Der Beek looked a gaunt shadow of the 90s TV star he once was. He was seen wearing a big woolly jumper to protect himself from the harshness of winter as he continued: “Anyone else out there finding that your New Year’s resolution was impossible to keep? I don’t think it’s your fault,” he told fans, adding that he planned “to recover and rest” this winter.
“Animals are hibernating! Birds fly south! The time to celebrate new beginnings is when the flowers bloom,” he said.
He added he would set his resolutions come spring, a time which will sadly never come for the star.
Just days later, the actor shared a touching tribute to his daughter, highlighting that she shares a birthday with his father. The loving tribute reflected on the love he had for them both, calling them “marvels” who had “the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart.”
“The world is a better place because the two of you are in it,” he wrote.
The visual update on his condition was a stark contrast to the last time fans saw him at the Dawson’s Creek reunion last September.
Unable to attend the event due to a stomach bug that was made far worse thanks to his ongoing cancer treatment, Van Der Beek sent a video message that was played on the night.
In the clip he could be seen wearing a flat cap as he apologised to the crowds for not being well enough to join his fellow Dawson’s Creek castmates Katie Holmes, Joshua Jackson, Michelle Williams and Busy Phillips at the reunion.
“I can’t believe I’m not there,” he said. “I can’t believe I don’t get to hug this beautiful cast in person. I just wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single one of you for being here tonight. From the cast, to the crew and everyone who has donated time and been so generous. And especially every single one of you, the best fans in the world.”
On Wednesday, his wife Kimberly shared the devastating news with a moving statement about her husband.
“Our beloved James passed peacefully this morning,” she shared. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
She added: “James was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched everyone around him. He leaves behind his devoted wife and six beautiful children. The medical costs were enormous, and now the family faces an uncertain future.”
She revealed that despite his strength and positive spirit, the long cancer battle took a significant toll on the family — emotionally and financially. A GoFundMe has since been launched to help Kimberly and their children stay afloat as they cope with their devastating loss.
Fans around the world have flooded social media with tributes for the late Dawson’s Creek star, remembering him as a “gentle soul,” a “true talent,” and a “beautiful human being who will be deeply missed.”
One user said: “Rest easy, James. You taught us all about love, hope, and the beauty of being human.”
A second added: “Rest in peace, you didn’t make it long enough to make your New Year’s resolution in the spring like you wanted, so I’ll make one for you: I promise to be a better man …. Thanks for giving us so many great ways to remember you. “
While a third stated: “And today, James, you celebrate your spring. The world will miss you, but your goodness remains here, and you are blooming at home. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.”
Van Der Beek starred in a slew of television shows throughout his career, with titles spanning Ugly Betty, How I Met Your Mother, One Tree Hill, Pose, and Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23. His film credits include Scary Movie, Varsity Blues, and Labour Day.
For more information or support about bowel cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support or you can call 020 7940 1760 for advice.
If you have been affected by this story, Cruse Bereavement Support offers free help to make sense of how you are feeling. Click here for their website or call 0808 808 1677.