James Van Der Beek's final Instagram post was a touching tribute to his daughter Annabel on her 12th birthday, just weeks before his death at the age of 48. The actor, best known for his role in Dawson's Creek, died after a three-year battle with colorectal cancer.
In the post, shared on January 25, Van Der Beek posted a photo of himself hugging Annabel, who shares her birthday with his father, James William. He wrote: 'My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared – they seemed so different to me. But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognise the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart.'
He continued: 'I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you’re in more fun.' He concluded: 'You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life. The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart.'
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023 and went public with the news in November 2024. In one of his final interviews, with Today in December, he said he felt 'much, much better than I did a couple months ago' and described the journey as requiring 'more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had.'
The actor is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4. His death was announced on Instagram on Wednesday night, with a statement asking for privacy as the family grieves.
