The world is still in shock over the unexpected passing of James Van Der Beek, the cherished Dawson Leery from Dawson’s Creek, who left us at the young age of 48 on February 11, 2026.
As fans and colleagues grieve, one tribute has resonated deeply: Alfonso Ribeiro’s heartfelt message.
His final farewell
Just a day after the heartbreaking news of James Van Der Beek’s death at 48, Alfonso Ribeiro took to Instagram to share a personal and emotional goodbye.
The host of Dancing with the Stars, 54, shared a poignant photo of himself cradling Van Der Beek’s head close just moments before bidding farewell.
“This was captured by Vander Kimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,” Ribeiro noted, acknowledging the late actor’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, as the one behind the camera. “My final moment was making him laugh one last time. I truly miss him already.”
This tribute offered fans a rare insight into the deep bond shared between the two men, a friendship that went well beyond the glitz of Hollywood.
Ribeiro reflected on being by Van Der Beek’s side during his private fight against cancer, describing it as a “roller coaster ride” filled with both uplifting moments and devastating lows.
Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek had a connection that transcended mere friendship. Just a few days ago, Ribeiro disclosed that he is the godfather to one of Van Der Beek’s daughters, a position that signifies years of loyalty, steadfast support, and numerous shared experiences.
“I will always be there for their children. I will always cherish my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most significant roles in my life.”
Ribeiro also contemplated the influence that James and Kimberly had on his own family. “He and @vanderkimberly transformed my life. I will always be grateful for everything they’ve provided to me and my family,” he expressed.
Katie Holmes’ handwritten letter
Kimberly, who has six children — Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4 — with Van Der Beek, announced his passing in an Instagram post on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
The family’s sorrow was profoundly felt by those who had the privilege of knowing Van Der Beek personally. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Katie Holmes shared something quite rare in today’s digital age: a handwritten letter. The image displays a cream-colored sheet of paper filled from edge to edge with her elegant handwriting, thoughtful, measured, and respectful. At the top, she simply wrote “James.”
Her caption set the mood: “I crafted some words with a heavy heart. This is quite a lot to take in. I am incredibly thankful to have been part of a segment of James’ journey.”
She went on, speaking directly to his wife, “Kimberly, we love you and will always be here for you and your lovely children.”
In her letter, Holmes contemplated the honor of collaborating with Van Der Beek:
“Thank you. Sharing space with your creativity is sacred — breathing the same air in the realm of imagination and trusting that each other’s hearts are safe in their expression…”
She reminisced about “laughter, discussions about life, James Taylor songs — adventures of a one-of-a-kind youth…” before encapsulating his spirit in four key words: “Bravery. Compassion. Selflessness. Strength.”
Holmes also honored his commitment to family, highlighting his “beautiful marriage, six loving children — the journey of a Hero.” One of the most poignant lines expressed her own sense of loss: “I grieve this loss with a heart that acknowledges the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his mark on it.”
I am devastated by the loss of James Van Der Beek. He was not just a talented actor but also an exceptional human being. My thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his wife Kimberly, their six wonderful children, family, friends, and countless fans. James, may you rest in eternal peace!
