James Van Der Beek dedicated his last social media post to his daughter Annabel and her father, Jim, on January 25, two weeks before his death on February 11 at age 48.The actor died after a three-year battle against colorectal cancer.
In the image shared on Instagram, he was seen hugging Annabel, 12, in a photograph taken on the occasion of her and her grandfather’s birthday, who share a date of birth.
In the message that accompanied the publication, the artist reflected on the traits he observed in both of them and expressed his gratitude for having them in his life. He also pointed out similarities between the two.
“I can recognize the same warm, loving and tender heart. I see the care and dedication they give to those they love most. I see the same Aquarian creativity and originality, so unique. And they both make every space they are in more fun,” he wrote.
It should be remembered that James Van Der Beek was married to Kimberly Van Der Beek and was the father of six children: Olivia, 15 years old;Joshua, 13 years old;Annabel, 12 years old;Emilia, 9 years old;Gwendolyn, 7 years old;and Jeremiah, 4 years old.
The family confirmed his death through a statement published on Instagram.
“He passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” the message states.
In recent months, the actor had shared updates about his health.In different interviews he explained that he was going through the process with the support of his family.He also recognized physical changes derived from the treatment.
“I feel a little better every month. It has required more patience, more discipline. More strength than I knew I had,” he said last year when referring to his weight loss.
In September he virtually participated in a reunion of the cast of Dawson’sCreek, a series in which he starred between 1998 and 2003 in the role of Dawson Leery.In that appearance, some followers commented on his physical appearance, since he seemed thinner.
In August 2025, a reunion of the cast was announced to perform a live reading of the pilot episode for charity, in support of the FCancer organization and the actor himself.
Days before the event, the artist announced that he would not be able to attend due to health problems.In a pre-recorded video he expressed that he hoped to participate and thanked the organization of the meeting.
During his public appearances, James Van Der Beek explained that living with cancer changed his way of understanding everyday life.He noted that he learned to pay more attention to his diet and what he put into his body.
He also indicated that he began to experience daily moments with greater awareness.In an interview with People in November 2024, he described the diagnosis as a “life reorientation” and expressed that he had a lot to live for with his wife and children.
His last public appearance took place in December 2025, during a television interview given from his home to journalist Craig Melvin of the Today program.
In that conversation, the actor assured that he felt better compared to previous months.
“I feel much, much better than a couple of months ago. It has been a longer road than I ever thought. It has required more patience, more discipline and more strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong, I didn’t know I was that strong. But I feel good,” he expressed.
