Stunt Double Reveals James Van Der Beek's Private Cancer Struggle During Final Film Role
Devoted fans of Dawson's Creek star James Van Der Beek were left heartbroken when his wife Kimberley announced his passing at age 48 following a two-year battle with colorectal cancer. In an emotional Instagram post shared on Wednesday, Kimberley Van Der Beek revealed that her husband "met his final days with courage, faith, and grace." The announcement sent shockwaves through Hollywood and among his global fanbase.
No Signs of Illness During Final Filming
Now, Van Der Beek's stunt double Trenton Rostedt has opened up exclusively to the Daily Mail about working with the actor on what would become his final film role in the horror movie The Gates. Rostedt, who worked closely with Van Der Beek during filming in October 2024, revealed that the actor showed no visible signs of succumbing to the disease and never hinted that this might be his last professional project.
"He didn't seem sickly," Rostedt, 45, explained. "You could just tell that he was really, really lean. He had overhauled his diet and it seemed like he was in remission while we worked together." The stunt double, who has also appeared in Bones, Revenge, and Grimm, believes Van Der Beek was following a strict dietary regimen to "keep things lean and healthy" during production.
Family Remained His Priority
What became particularly evident during filming was Van Der Beek's dedication to his family. The actor, who married film producer Kimberly in 2010, brought his six children to the set by driving his large RV so he wouldn't have to be separated from them during production. Over their 16-year marriage, Van Der Beek frequently expressed his joy in fatherhood, often speaking lovingly about his children:
- Daughters Olivia (15), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), and Gwendolyn (7)
- Sons Joshua (13) and Jeremiah (4)
Rostedt noted that despite any health challenges, Van Der Beek maintained a "friendly and good disposition" throughout filming. The stunt double believes the actor had undergone some treatments prior to filming and was in a recovery phase during production.
The Final Project
The Gates, a horror film about three friends who witness a murder in a gated community, was filmed in October 2024—just one month before Van Der Beek publicly revealed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, and approximately 14 months after he initially received the diagnosis. Rostedt remained discreet about specific stunt sequences to avoid spoiling the plot of the upcoming thriller, scheduled for release on March 13, but confirmed they filmed together all night for an action sequence involving a car.
"He didn't say he was done," Rostedt recalled when asked if Van Der Beek indicated this would be his final role. The actor's appearance at the Overcompensating premiere in 2025 showed him looking healthy, further masking the seriousness of his condition from the public eye.
Hollywood Tributes Pour In
Following the tragic news, Van Der Beek's family has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses, while his Hollywood colleagues have shared heartfelt tributes. His Dawson's Creek co-star Katie Holmes, who played his love interest Joey Potter on the iconic WB teen drama from 1998 to 2003, posted a handwritten note on Instagram expressing her grief.
"I formed some words with a heavy heart," Holmes wrote. "This is a lot to process. I am so grateful to have shared in a piece of James' journey. He is beloved." Other celebrities including Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Tyler Posey have also shared condolences for the actor who shot to fame as film enthusiast Dawson Leery and later appeared in projects like Varsity Blues and Don't Trust the B in Apartment 23.
Rostedt's revelations provide a poignant glimpse into Van Der Beek's final professional months, showing an actor determined to continue working and prioritizing family while privately battling a devastating illness.
