Actor James Van Der Beek sadly passed away earlier this week after a long battle with cancer over the past few years. Tributes filled with love and respect are now coming in from his friends and family.
Keep reading to learn more.
Alfonso Ribeiro has shared a touching tribute to his dear friend, actor James Van Der Beek. On February 12, he expressed his final farewell to his cherished friend. He posted a photo that captured their emotional “last goodbye” along with a heartfelt message for the late actor.
James Van Der Beek died at the age of 48 on February 11, 2026. He had been fighting stage 3 colorectal cancer for the past three years. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek became friends in 2019 when they first met during Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars. James was a contestant that season while Alfonso co-hosted alongside Julianna Hough. Their friendship blossomed and lasted until the very end. Ribeiro even became the godfather to Van Der Beek’s daughter, Gwendolyn.
The news of James’s passing was first confirmed by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, who shared a statement on his official Instagram account to inform his fans. Shortly after, Alfonso honored his late friend with a tribute. He shared a photo taken just months prior, where the late actor looks healthy and is smiling at the camera.
In the caption, Alfonso expressed his feelings,
Alfonso wrote in the caption, “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer.”
His family and friends experienced this roller coaster journey together. The exhilarating highs when it seemed he had overcome it, contrasted with the devastating lows when it returned. I’ve gained so much wisdom from James. He and @vanderkimberly transformed my life. I will always be grateful for everything they have done for me and my family. He will forever hold a place in my heart.
He also promised to take care of his late friend’s family, particularly his six children, describing it as “one of the most significant responsibilities of my life.”
A day after his initial post, he shared another tribute to honor his friend. On February 12, he posted a touching account of James’ last moments along with a photograph.
In the image, captured by Kimberly, James is resting in bed and appears quite unwell, while Ribeiro gently supports his head as they seem to share a final embrace.
In the caption, he expressed, “This was taken by @vanderkimberly just moments before I said my final goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I already miss him so much.”
He included an official link to the GoFundMe created to assist James’ family financially, along with a photo of James’ children and a message that read, “If you feel moved, please think about supporting this wonderful family…”
This is an incredibly sorrowful situation. We are sending our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and fans of the late actor James Van Der Beek.
