In a poignant and deeply personal final chapter, beloved actor James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly renewed their wedding vows mere days before the star's tragic passing on February 11. The Dawson's Creek and Varsity Blues icon, aged 48, succumbed to a courageous battle with colorectal cancer, leaving behind his devoted wife and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
A Bedside Ceremony of Love and Support
On Tuesday, Kimberly Van Der Beek revealed to People magazine the intimate details of the spontaneous vow renewal, which was orchestrated with remarkable speed by their close-knit circle. 'We decided two days beforehand, and our friends got us new rings, filled our bedroom with flowers and candles, and we renewed our vows from bed,' she explained. She described the occasion as profoundly 'simple and beautiful and moving,' with loved ones physically present and additional friends participating via Zoom to share in the emotional moment.
Musical Tribute and a Lasting Memory
The ceremony was beautifully underscored by live music from the couple's close friend, musician Poranguí, who concluded the tribute with a heartfelt rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. This tender farewell preceded the heartbreaking announcement Kimberly shared on Instagram, confirming her husband's peaceful passing. 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,' she wrote. 'He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.'
A Hollywood Love Story Cut Short
The couple's romance began in Israel in 2009, and they returned to the same country just one year later for a private wedding ceremony. At that time, Kimberly was expecting their first child, Olivia, making the day doubly significant for the burgeoning family. Tragically, their journey together was cut short sixteen years later, prompting an outpouring of grief from across the entertainment industry.
Final Moments and Heartfelt Tributes
The news of the vow renewal emerged shortly after actor Alfonso Ribeiro, godfather to Van Der Beek's daughter Gwendolyn, shared a touching glimpse into his final moments with his dear friend. Posting a tender photograph on Instagram, Ribeiro wrote, 'This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye.' He added that their last interaction was filled with levity, noting, 'My last moment was making him laugh one last time.'
The loss resonated deeply throughout Hollywood, with numerous Dawson's Creek co-stars posting emotional tributes. Katie Holmes, who portrayed Joey Potter, remembered Van Der Beek for his 'bravery, compassion, selflessness and strength,' as well as his 'appreciation for life.' In a handwritten statement, she expressed, 'I mourn this loss with a heart holding the reality of his absence and deep gratitude for his imprint on it.'
Busy Philipps, who joined the show in later seasons as Audrey Liddell, also paid tribute, writing that her 'heart is deeply hurting for all of us today.' She acknowledged everyone who knew and loved him, including his friends, family, and fans, describing Van Der Beek as 'one in a billion' who will be 'forever missed.'
Industry-Wide Mourning and Support
Other notable figures reacted with profound sadness. Reese Witherspoon, an executive producer on the Legally Blonde prequel Elle, in which Van Der Beek will posthumously appear, stated she was 'devastated' by the news. 'What an extraordinary, talented man who also showed great kindness and grace in every action,' she added. 'Praying all the angels watch over his family during this difficult time.'
Following the family's official announcement, stars including Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley, and Rumer Willis responded with gestures of support. A GoFundMe page was launched on Wednesday to assist the Van Der Beek family, with an initial goal of $500,000 to cover essential living expenses, bills, and the children's education. Kimberly shared the link on her Instagram Stories, expressing, 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.'
The story of James Van Der Beek's final days is one marked by love, resilience, and community. The intimate vow renewal ceremony stands as a testament to his enduring bond with Kimberly, while the widespread tributes highlight the profound impact he had on colleagues and fans alike. As Hollywood mourns, the focus remains on supporting his family through this unimaginable loss.
