Trending Now - James Van Der Beek's Wife Commemorates His Birthday After Passing

WHO:

James Van Der Beek, actor known for "Dawson’s Creek"

Kimberly Van Der Beek, wife of James Van Der Beek

Six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah

WHAT:

James Van Der Beek would have celebrated his 49th birthday on March 8th, 2026

James Van Der Beek died on February 11th, 2026, at age 48

Kimberly posted on Instagram, stating, "Would be your 49th birthday today. And I'm missing you tremendously."

A GoFundMe was created to raise money for Kimberly's family, surpassing $1 million in less than 24 hours

WHERE:

Instagram, where Kimberly shared her posts

The family moved from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020

WHEN:

James announced his cancer diagnosis in November 2024

The cancer was discovered after a routine colonoscopy in August 2023

James and Kimberly renewed their wedding vows days before his death in February 2026

James Van Der Beek's birthday is on March 8th

WHY:

James Van Der Beek battled stage 3 colorectal cancer

HOW:

James revealed his cancer diagnosis while focusing on health and family during treatment

(UPDATED March 9, 2026 01:24 UTC)

Yesterday marked what would have been James Van Der Beek's 49th birthday, but the actor known for "Dawson’s Creek" sadly passed away at the age of 48 on February 11th, 2026, after a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, expressing how much she misses him, while a GoFundMe created for their family has already raised over $1 million in less than a day. The couple, who moved from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020, renewed their wedding vows just days before his passing, highlighting the importance of family during his health struggles.