Busy Philipps Is “Deeply Hurting” After James Van Der Beek’s Death

by

Busy Philipps will forever open up her morning light for James Van Der Beek.

Following the news of the actor’s death on February 11th at age 48 after a fight with colorectal cancer, his former Dawson’s Creek colleague shared her sadness.

Busy expressed her sadness on Instagram on February 11th, saying she was heartbroken for everyone affected by the loss. She extended her sympathy to those who knew and loved James, admired his work, or had the chance to meet him, as well as his close friends and the community that supported him during his illness, particularly his family – his parents, brother, and sister.

The 46-year-old expressed deep sadness for his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. She described him as a truly exceptional person who will be dearly missed.

“I really don’t know how to express how I’m feeling,” Busy said. “I’m just incredibly sad. He was a dear friend, and I loved him very much. I’m so thankful for all the years we shared.”

Busy joined the cast of Dawson’s Creek in its fifth season, appearing with stars James, Joshua Jackson, Katie Holmes, and Michelle Williams from 2001 to 2003. The show originally ran from 1998 to 2003. The cast recently reunited in September for a fundraising event for the charity F Cancer, following James’s cancer diagnosis announcement in 2023.

James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, announced his death on Instagram on February 11th. She shared that he passed away peacefully and with strength, courage, and faith. They shared six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.

The message went on to say there’s much to share about his hopes, his kindness, and how much he valued every moment. They said that time will come, but right now, they ask for privacy and peace as they mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

Professional wrestler Stacy Keibler was among those grieving after James’s death, revealing she spent his last days by his side.

She shared on Instagram that these last few days together felt like a blessing. She explained she’s never felt more fully engaged with life, and that realizing time is precious makes you appreciate every moment.

She wrote that she would remember him whenever she saw a sunset, or a rainbow, and would feel his presence in those moments.

For more touching tributes to James, keep reading.

I’m truly devastated for everyone who knew and loved James—his friends, fans, and the community that supported him through his illness, especially his family—his parents, brother, and sister. But my heart especially goes out to his wonderful wife, Kimberly, and their six children. It’s a heartbreaking loss for all of us,” said Busy, a former colleague of James on Dawson’s Creek.

I’m absolutely heartbroken. James Van Der Beek was truly one of a kind, and I’ll miss him terribly. I don’t even know where to begin, I’m just so incredibly sad. He was a dear friend to me, and I loved him. I’m so thankful for all the years of friendship we shared.

“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 on Instagram, calling him ‘A legend in every way’.

The former star of Franklin & Bash 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 positive impact and sent his condolences.

 

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

I’ll never forget how she showed me what it truly means to have faith in God’s plan, even – and especially – when life completely breaks your heart. Seeing her navigate that pain taught me so much.

The other evening, we were watching the sunset, and it was such a special moment. He shared some really beautiful thoughts – his hopes, dreams, and the promises we’ve made to each other. We talked about how chaotic things feel in the world sometimes… and how maybe, just maybe, his spirit is needed now to bring some balance. Then, as the sun dipped below the horizon, a shooting star streaked across the sky. It felt like a sign, a little nudge reminding us that everything happens for a reason, and nothing is truly by chance.

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram that this was a heartbreaking loss for a truly wonderful person. She expressed her sympathy to the family and offered support during this difficult time, letting them know others are there for them.

The former Grey’s Anatomy star shared that she was 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 truly kind person, full of love for his family – a love everyone could feel. “I’m so sorry for his family’s loss,” she said, “he cherished them dearly.”

She began, addressing him as a beautiful soul, and shared that knowing him had a lasting impact on everyone who was fortunate enough to do so. She spoke of his profound character, his strong presence, and especially his deep love for his family. She highlighted the special, enduring bond he shared with Kimberly, and affirmed he remained the wisest person she’d ever met, cherishing every bit of advice and life lesson he’d given her.

She went on, saying she could hardly express how beautiful James’s writing was. He had a gift with words that reminded everyone of the power of kindness and emotion in writing. She shared how deeply loved and missed he was, admitting her heart was broken and that the pain would likely stay with them all for a long time.

“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 ‘Clarissa Explains It All’.

She shared that he passed away far too young, but fought bravely. They met around two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a 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 his passing. She wrote that he will always be family and expressed her deep love for him, adding that he could be proud of the person he was. She was 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 sorrow, saying, “This news is heartbreaking, and I’m so incredibly 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 will be praying for the Van Der Beeks and that they plan to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his work and acknowledging him as a genuinely good 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, saying, “Sending all my love and support to your wonderful family.” They described the deceased as an incredible person, adding, “We are so deeply sorry for your loss. He inspired us all with his words, creativity, and kindness – he made us want to be better people. Wishing you peace and strength.”

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

My heart is absolutely broken, and I just want to share how much I loved James and his beautiful family. He was such an incredible husband, father, and felt like a big brother to me. I feel so lucky to have known him and to have witnessed the amazing love, respect, and care they all shared. I’m sending all my love and keeping them in my thoughts.

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

The Dancing with the Stars host shared on Instagram that they are heartbroken. They expressed gratitude for having a special someone in their life and were thankful they could say goodbye.

She expressed her deep sadness for the family on Instagram, acknowledging that while James will be remembered fondly, his death is a significant loss for both them and the world. She ended with a frustrated message directed at cancer itself.

She shared her love in the comments, writing, “Sending so much love. I’m so sorry.”

Following the news of James’ passing, the Lemonade Mouth actress expressed her deep condolences to his family. She remembered him as a consistently kind and loving person, and said his positive influence would be remembered.

It feels like we were all so incredibly fortunate to have known James – he was truly one of the good ones. Seeing his passing announced just broke my heart. I keep thinking of him and wishing he was still here. He was everything you could ask for in a person, and I’ll always remember him fondly. It’s like losing a member of our family, a brother in arms. Fly high, James, we’ll miss you terribly.

The British model sent a message of support to James’ wife, Kimberly, in an Instagram comment, saying she was sending love and prayers to her and their children.

The actor from ‘Bones’ shared condolences online, writing, ‘My thoughts are with James’s family.’ He remembered James as a truly kind, joyful, and loving person, and cherished their conversations. He ended by thanking James and saying his memory will continue to inspire.

“Heartbreaking,” the soccer star wrote in an Instagram post. “Prayers to all his loved ones.”

The actress from Aquamarine sent her condolences and expressed her sorrow in the comments following the announcement of James’s passing, writing, “I’m so, so sorry.”

Read More

2026-02-12 01:21