James Van Der Beek's Family Receives Outpouring of Love After Actor's Death
The family of James Van Der Beek experienced a significant wave of public affection and support just one day after the actor's passing. His wife, Kimberly Brook, reshared a heartfelt cover of the iconic Dawson's Creek theme song, which served as a poignant tribute to his legacy. The actor, best known for his role as Dawson Leery, died at the age of 48 on Wednesday, February 11, due to complications from stage 3 colon cancer.
Wife Shares Tribute After James Van Der Beek's Death
As reported by Network 18, Kimberly reposted a version of "I Don't Want to Wait," originally performed by Paula Cole. This cover was recorded by Alana Springsteen with collaborators Sara Bares and Lauren LaRue. Springsteen uploaded the performance on Instagram on February 12, expressing deep sorrow over the loss. She wrote, "RIP James Van Der Beek this loss hit me hard today. So much girlhood was lived to the backdrop of his work." In her post, she extended love and prayers to his beautiful family and directed followers to a GoFundMe campaign established to support them.
The emotional message resonated profoundly with many fans and listeners. The comments section quickly filled with personal memories of watching Dawson's Creek and growing up alongside its beloved characters. Original theme singer Paula Cole responded to the cover with a note of gratitude, stating, "So beautiful. Tears and more tears. Thank you for honoring James and his family." Kimberly then shared the video on her Instagram Stories, further expanding the circle of remembrance and collective mourning.
GoFundMe Campaign to Support the Van Der Beek Family
Friends of the family organized a fundraiser to assist Kimberly and the couple's six children in managing expenses following the prolonged medical battle. The GoFundMe page detailed that treatment bills had created substantial financial strain, impacting housing and daily necessities. Donations will also be allocated toward the children's educational needs.
Among the notable contributors, renowned filmmaker Steven Spielberg donated $25,000, acknowledging Van Der Beek's significant place in television history. This generous contribution highlighted the widespread respect and admiration for the actor's career and impact.
Family Details and Personal Legacy
James and Kimberly share four daughters—Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn—and two sons, Joshua and Jeremiah. When confirming his death, Kimberly emphasized that he faced his final days with "courage, faith, and grace" and requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Van Der Beek first publicly revealed his diagnosis in November 2024 after keeping it private for over a year. Since his passing, fans and peers have continued to pay tribute, often accompanied by the song that will forever be linked to his iconic role.
Career and Background of James Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek was an American actor born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut. He rose to fame as Dawson Leery on Dawson's Creek from 1998 to 2003, a defining role that cemented his status as a pop culture fixture. His career included notable film appearances such as Varsity Blues and television roles in series like Don't Trust the B–– in Apartment 23, CSI: Cyber, and Pose. Married to Kimberly Brook, he was a devoted father to their six children and spoke openly about his colorectal cancer diagnosis prior to his death on February 11, 2026.
