In a poignant display of familial support, television star Alfonso Ribeiro and his wife Angela received a heartfelt gesture from their three young children following the tragic death of their close friend, actor James Van Der Beek. Van Der Beek passed away last Wednesday at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind a grieving circle of loved ones.
A Sweet Gesture in a Time of Sorrow
On Monday, Angela Ribeiro, 45, turned to Instagram to share a touching photograph of a homemade cake baked by their children. She explained that the sweet creation was intended "to lift our spirits" during an emotionally challenging period. The couple, who tied the knot in 2012, are parents to sons Alfonso 'AJ' Lincoln, aged 12, Anders Reyn, aged 10, and their six-year-old daughter, Ava Sue. Alfonso, 54, is also father to a 23-year-old daughter, Sienna, from a previous relationship.
Uploading the image via Instagram Stories, Angela wrote candidly: "Not the easiest week…but our kids made us this beautiful cake to lift our spirits today. Kids just know." This tender moment comes after Alfonso, best known for his role in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, publicly mourned his late friend on social media last week.
Heartfelt Tributes from the Ribeiros
Following Van Der Beek's passing, Alfonso shared an intimate photograph taken during his final visit to the actor at his family ranch in Texas. Ribeiro revealed he had the opportunity to spend precious time with his friend shortly before his death. In a deeply emotional caption accompanying the photos, Alfonso expressed his profound grief.
"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," he wrote. "His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride - the highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back."
Ribeiro, who serves as godfather to Van Der Beek's daughter Gwendolyn, continued: "I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life."
He concluded his tribute with a personal farewell: "I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP."
Angela's Mournful Reflection
Angela Ribeiro also utilized the social media platform to issue her own heartfelt statement in the wake of Van Der Beek's passing. She shared a nostalgic outdoor photograph featuring the pair bundled in winter jackets and hats, with a dog nestled at her feet.
In a mournful caption, she wrote: "My brother from another… I’m going to miss our talks, our enlightening and humorous text chats, our ski adventures, but most of all your presence and the way you made everyone feel truly seen. Your words of wisdom and your beautiful insight changed me in ways that upgraded my whole being."
She reminisced about specific, personal details: "I’ll miss your voice notes that always began with 'hello, soul sister'… and even the way you teased me, from cutting pizza with scissors to my 'peculiar' humming on the ski slopes before first tracks, to my secret fascination with Korean TV. Thank you for every laugh, every lesson, every moment of light you shared so freely. You have enlightened me in ways I can’t fully explain."
Echoing her husband's sentiments, Angela added, "I’m so grateful we were able to be there in your final days and tell you just how deeply you were loved and how much you mean to us."
The loss has resonated widely, with friends of the Van Der Beek family establishing a GoFundMe account that is reportedly nearing the $3 million mark, demonstrating the extensive support for his loved ones during this difficult time.
