Alfonso Ribeiro Shares Photo of “Last Goodbye” With James Van Der Beek

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Alfonso Ribeiro is giving fans a glimpse into an intimate moment.

Just a day after James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11th at the age of 48 following a fight with colorectal cancer, his Dancing With the Stars co-host shared a photo of a cherished final moment they shared together. Van Der Beek was best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek.

Alfonso shared a photo taken by @vanderkimberly just before he said goodbye to a loved one. He wrote that his final moment with them was making them laugh, and that he already misses them dearly.

The actor from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air also shared details about his friendship with James Van Der Beek, who had six children – Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4) – with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, after his passing.

He shared on Instagram, remembering his friend as a brother and mentor. He recounted being with James throughout his difficult battle with cancer, a challenging time for James’s family and friends. They experienced moments of hope when it seemed James was recovering, followed by devastating setbacks when the cancer returned. He added that he learned a great deal from James.

I honestly don’t think I’ll ever be able to repay everything they’ve done for me and my whole family. He’s just… everything to me, and I’ll carry him in my heart always. And I’m going to be there for his kids, no matter what. It’s the least I can do.

The 54-year-old, who has five children – Sienna, 23, with his former wife Robin Stapler, and Alfonso Jr., 12, Anders, 10, and Ava, 6, with his wife Angela Unkrich – shared that being godfather to Gwendolyn was one of the most meaningful experiences of his life.

He finished by saying he loved James and felt protected by a guardian angel. He added that being able to say goodbye this weekend was a moment he’d always cherish, and then offered a final farewell, repeating ‘Rest in peace, my brother.’

Alfonso wasn’t the only famous person to share memories of James. Katie Holmes also paid tribute to her former Dawson’s Creek co-star, fondly remembering their time working together on the show.

In a handwritten note shared on Instagram on February 12th, Katie thanked James, writing about how special it was to share his creative world. She described it as a safe space where they could both freely express themselves, sharing laughter, deep conversations, and a love for James Taylor’s music – creating unforgettable memories from a unique time in their lives.

The 47-year-old actor, known for his role in Varsity Blue, thought about how he’ll be remembered, highlighting his courage, kindness, and dedication to others.

I always admired how he saw life as a beautiful art form – something to be crafted with intention, like building a loving marriage and raising our six wonderful children. To me, his life truly was a heroic journey. It breaks my heart to lose him, but I’m also filled with such gratitude for the incredible impact he had on my life, and the lasting mark he’s left on my heart. I’ll deeply miss him.

For more stars who paid tribute to James, keep reading…

The creator of Dawson’s Creek shared a heartfelt message to Kimberly Van Der Beek on February 12th via Instagram, writing, ‘With much love, we are here for you. Your Dawson’s Creek family will always be here for you and your beautiful family.’ He also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, saying he’s been deeply touched by everyone’s kindness. He explained he’s struggling to find the right words to describe the impact James had on his life, but his thoughts are with Kimberly and her family during this difficult time. He hopes he’ll be able to express his feelings more fully later, but right now, his heart is with them.

Katie, who worked with James on Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten note on Instagram on February 12th, thanking him. She wrote that sharing a creative space with him felt special – like they could both be themselves and trust each other while acting. She fondly remembered laughter, conversations, and listening to James Taylor songs together during their time as young actors.

She described him as someone who fully embraced life, seeing it as a beautiful creation, like a work of art – exemplified by his wonderful marriage and six children. She said his life felt like a heroic journey, and while she deeply mourns his passing, she’s incredibly grateful for the lasting impact he had on her life.

James’ ex-wife, to whom he was married from 2003 to 2009, penned a loving tribute in his memory.

James was a truly wonderful person, full of light, love, and talent. He had a great sense of humor, was deeply thoughtful and kind, and had a strong faith that was evident to everyone who knew him. Despite all his gifts, he remained humble and grounded, always striving to learn, grow, and challenge himself.

She shared, “James was a wonderful father and completely devoted to Kimberly – they were truly meant for each other. I’ll always be inspired by how elegantly and lovingly she supported him.”

I usually know what to say, but I’m finding it hard today,” wrote Mary, who played James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek. “James, you were so strong and brave throughout your difficult fight. I’ll always love and admire that about you.

She said those recent conversations – just a few days ago – will always hold a special place in her heart. She also asked that everyone in the Dawson’s Creek family respect their need for quiet right now, as Kimberly and her family have requested privacy during this difficult time.

Krysten shared sad news on Instagram, saying, “Really hard news today.” She went on to express her love for James, who she worked with on the show Don’t Trust the B In Apartment 23, where he played a comedic version of himself, and added, “Love you so much James and fake James.”

The fashion designer shared a heartfelt tribute to Brother James, remembering him as ‘Uncle James’ to their family. They expressed gratitude for his unwavering friendship, his constant support, and his willingness to always go above and beyond. They recalled specific acts of kindness, like bringing a shovel when their dog passed away and being the first to visit after their children were born, emphasizing that he wasn’t just a witness to their life’s moments, but an integral part of them, alongside @vanderkimberly.

It meant so much to be your friend and share time with you, and we’ll miss you terribly. No one can replace you, but we promise to love and support your family, and to always remember to find joy and celebrate life, just as you always did. We love you, and we’ll never forget you.

“I’m incredibly thankful to have known James as a brother,” said a former co-star of his from Dawson’s Creek. “I’ll miss him very much. May he rest in peace.”

It’s a really sad day for everyone who knew and loved James – his friends, fans, and those who supported him through his illness, especially his family. I’m particularly heartbroken for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children,” Busy, a former colleague, shared in a post.

She shared that James Van Der Beek was a truly unique and irreplaceable person, and she’s heartbroken by his passing. She said she doesn’t know what to say beyond expressing how incredibly sad she is, and how much she cherished their friendship over the years. She loved him dearly.

“Had the good fortune of knowing and growing with this guy,” Ashton wrote in a post on X. “Rip.”

The star and writer, known for their work with James on the Prime Video series, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling him “A legend in every way.”

The Dancing With the Stars professional shared a heartfelt message, saying, ‘He was an amazing father, husband, artist, and a truly wonderful person.’ They also sent their deepest sympathy and support to his family.

The actor shared that working with James years ago was a wonderful experience, describing him as one of the most kind, wise, and generous people he’s ever collaborated with. He celebrated James’s lasting impact and sent his condolences.

 

Following the news of the Dawson’s Creek actor’s passing, the writer of Hamilton posted a family photo from the show’s 2025 reunion, expressing his sympathy for the Van Der Beek family.

Honestly, seeing her post just wrecked me – in the best way. She wrote about how I learned to just trust God’s plan, even when things fall apart. And she really emphasized it – especially when your heart is completely broken. It’s like she understands exactly how much it meant to me, seeing her live through that and still have faith. It’s… everything.

The other night, watching the sunset with you was incredibly special. You shared such beautiful thoughts – your wisdom, your dreams for the future, and all the promises we’ve made to each other. We talked about how chaotic things feel in the world right now…and it honestly felt like you were someone heaven might need, someone to bring a little stability to things down here. Then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a shooting star streaked across the sky. It felt like a sign, a gentle reminder that even in the midst of everything, there’s a deeper purpose at play.

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram that this was a heartbreaking loss for everyone, describing the person as a beautiful soul. She sent her condolences and prayers to their family, offering support during this difficult time, and letting them know they weren’t alone.

The former Grey’s Anatomy star shared that she was feeling heartbroken, and sent love and support to Kimberly Van Der Berg, writing, “Sending love, light & strength to you dear @vanderkimberly.”

The actress expressed her deep sadness, writing, “Sending so much love to Kimberly and her children as they cope with this difficult time.”

She remembered him as a genuinely kind person whose love for his family was obvious and joyful. Everyone who knew him loved him, and she offered her deepest sympathy to his family, whom he cherished.

Oh my god, she was just… everything. Seriously, anyone who even met her was completely different afterward. It wasn’t just about being nice, it was this incredible depth to her, this way she just was in a room. And her family? She loved them more than anything, and you could feel it. Especially with Kimberly – they were soulmates, connected on a level I can’t even describe. Honestly, she was the wisest person I’ve ever known. Every single thing she said, every little piece of advice… I’m going to cherish those moments forever. They were pure gold.

Honestly, one of the things I’ll always cherish about James was his incredible way with words. He could write something so tender, so heartfelt, that it just reminded everyone of the beauty of genuine emotion. It truly touched us all. I loved him so, so much, and the pain of his loss… well, it’s a deep ache that I know will stay with me, and with so many others, forever.

“And Kimberly,” the Twilight alum added, “we are all wrapping you and those sweet babies in love. My special sister, you and James are the greatest example of love I’ve ever known. Here for you in every way, forever.”

She shared on Instagram that she was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of James Vanderkamp. She remembered him as a kind person, a devoted father, and a talented actor, fondly recalling him as her first on-screen kiss during his appearance on the show Clarissa Explains It All.

She shared that he passed away far too young, but with incredible strength. They met about two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a very supportive father. She’s sending her deepest sympathies to his six children, wife, and the rest of his family.

The Dancing with the Stars professional, who partnered with James during season 28 of the show, shared a heartfelt message saying she was heartbroken by the news. She wrote that James will always be like family to her, expressing her deep love for him and praising the wonderful person he was. She’s thankful she had the chance to say goodbye.

“I’m so sorry,” she wrote. “My prayers are with you and your beautiful family.”

She expressed her deep sadness, saying, “This news is heartbreaking, and I am so sorry for your loss. I’m sending my best wishes to you and your family.”

Paul shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to James, saying, “Love you.” He expressed his belief that James is now at peace and surrounded by love in Heaven. Paul also said his family would be praying for the Van Der Beeks and working to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his contributions and remembering him as a kind person.

The Dancing With the Stars pro wrote, “Sending so much love and prayers.”

She said she would never forget his kind and gentle spirit. She also sent her love and prayers to Kim and the whole family.

The former One Tree Hill star sent their condolences, writing, “Sending all my love and support to your wonderful family.” They described the deceased as an incredible person, saying, “We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. James inspired us all with his words, creativity, and kindness – he made us want to be better people.” They concluded with a blessing for the family.

As she wrote on Instagram, “Sending so much love to your family.”

She wrote in a comment about James’ passing, sharing her love for her friends and saying they were always in her thoughts. She expressed how thankful she was for their long-lasting friendship, and admired how James exemplified the qualities of a wonderful husband, father, and brother. She felt grateful to have seen the love, respect, and care they all shared.

She added, “Sending all the love and light to you all.”

I’m heartbroken,” the Dancing with the Stars host shared on Instagram. “I’m so grateful to have him in my life, and I was thankful I could say goodbye.

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2026-02-13 00:48