James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, gave an optimistic update on his battle with cancer in the months before his death.
In November, Kimberly said the “Dawson’s Creek” actor was “bouncing back” from his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis.
At the time, the mother of six left a message on her husband’s Instagram, thanking fans for raising money for cancer treatment.
Kimberly, 44, wrote in the comments section: “You’re a wizard. Bouncing baby!! 😍😍😍.”
The post featured a clip of James throwing a football while wearing the iconic Varsity Blues jersey with the character’s name, Moxon, on the back.
James was selling signed and unsigned Varsity Blues jerseys and Dawson’s Creek merchandise to raise money for the fight against cancer.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, he made $47,000 selling items from the hit teen drama series.
Unfortunately, James lost his battle with cancer on Wednesday. He was 48 years old.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning,” Kimberly said in a statement on Instagram.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. He has much to share about his wishes, his love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. That day will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” she added.
James announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024, revealing that he was diagnosed over a year ago in August 2023.
He told People magazine that he was forced to reveal his diagnosis after learning that “the tabloids were going to run the news.”
“I have been personally dealing with this issue, seeking more intensive treatment than ever before and working to improve my overall health,” he told media at the time.
Last March, James opened up about how his battle with cancer had affected his marriage and family.
“I can no longer be the father who picks up my children, drops them off, and is there for them,” James emotionally said in an Instagram video, adding, “I can no longer be the husband who helps[his]wife.”
James and Kimberly married in 2010 and have six children together: Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabelle, 11, Emilia, eight, Gwendolyn, six, and Jeremiah, three.
