Alfonso Ribeiro revealed that he is the godfather of one of the James Van Der Beek’s surviving children while paying tribute to the deceased Dawson’s Creek star
“Right now I am so heartbroken over the death of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide,” Ribiero, 54, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, following the news. The death of Van Der Beek after a battle with cancer. The deceased actor was 48 years old.
“I was with him on this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends made it a roller coaster,” she continued. “The highs when it seemed like I’d hit the lows of the comeback. I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will always be indebted for everything they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart.”
Ribeiro promised to be there the Varsity Blues the six children of the starincluding 7-year-old Gwendolyn, who is his goddaughter. James and his wife of 16 years, Kimberly Van Der Beekalso shared Olivia (born 2010) Joshua (born 2012), Annabel (born 2014), Emilia (born 2016) and Jeremiah (born 2021).
James Van Der Beek’s closest friends offer a special insight into the actor’s final days on Earth. Before the Dawson’s Creek star passed away on Wednesday, February 11, following a diagnosis of stage III colorectal cancer, close friends, including Dancing With the Stars co-host Alfonso Ribeiro and Law & Order alum Mehcad Brooks, were able (…)
“I will always be there for his children,” Ribeiro continued. “I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie Daddy as one of the most important roles in my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
The actor’s death was announced on Wednesday via his Instagram account.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” read a statement shared via his Instagram. “There is so much to share about his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. We now ask for peaceful privacy as we mourn our beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend.”
Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek.
(Photo courtesy of Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram)The Travis County Coroner’s Office confirmed James was pronounced dead at 6:44 a.m. Wednesday. A medical professional called his office.
James announced his Stage 3 diagnosis of colorectal cancer in November 2024.
“I’ve been dealing privately with this diagnosis and taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my amazing family,” she told People at the time. “There are reasons for optimism and I feel good.”
The cast of Dawson’s Creek shared their public support for James Van Der Beek’s cancer battle before his death. “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,” wrote James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, via Instagram in February 2026. “There is so much (…)
After the death of James, his widow Kimberly set up a GoFundMe to help address the financial issues his family is facing following the actor’s battle with cancer
“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him,” the GoFundMe page read. “After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026, leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and six wonderful children. During his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges, but also significant financial strain as they did everything they could to support and care for James.”