Kimberly Van Der Beek honors late husband James on first posthumous birthday
Kimberly Van Der Beek paid tribute to her late husband, James Van Der Beek, on what would have been his first birthday since his death
James Van Der Beek was remembered by his wife on what would have been his first birthday since his passing, as Kimberly Van Der Beek shared an emotional tribute honoring the late star.
Marking the occasion on March 8, Kimberly posted a series of photos and videos on social media remembering her husband and reflecting on the life they built together with their family.
According to People, the touching tribute included moments of the actor with their six children, as Kimberly wrote that she was “missing you tremendously,” expressing the deep grief still felt by the family.
Van Der Beek, best known for playing Dawson Leery on the hit teen drama Dawson's Creek, died on Feb. 11, 2026, at the age of 48 after battling stage-3 colorectal cancer.
Moreover, his diagnosis was first discovered during a routine colonoscopy in 2023, and he later spoke publicly about the illness in 2024.
The actor and Kimberly, who met in 2009 and married a year later, had moved from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020 to focus on raising their children and living a quieter family life.
Friends and fans have continued to honor the actor in the weeks following his death, celebrating his legacy both on screen and as a devoted husband and father.
Known for roles in projects such as Varsity Blues and Don't Trust the B---- in Apartment 23, Van Der Beek remained a beloved figure in television and film.
