Radio Host Mistakenly Says Dick Van Dyke Died, Not James Van Der Beek

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Dick Van Dyke is still alive, despite one on-air mix up.

Following the upsetting news of James Van Der Beek’s passing at 48, Ashley Roberts, a former member of the Pussycat Dolls, mistakenly reported that the actor known for playing Mary Poppins had died.

She shared some unfortunate news, telling listeners of the U.K.’s Breakfast Show radio program, as reported by Daily Mail, that Dick Van Dyke, known for Dawson’s Creek, had died.

However, her cohost Jamie Theakston quickly chimed in to correct her folly.

“Not Dick Van Dyke,” he responded. “Come on, if you’re going to do a sensitive moment, if you’re going to do an obituary, you can’t just say Dick Van Dyke.”

Jamie has confirmed that the star of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, who celebrated her 100th birthday in December, is still alive and doing well.

“He’s 100 years old,” Ashley said. “Oh my gosh, we’ve spoken about this. I’m so sorry.”

Dick recently revealed he felt remarkably energetic as he approached a significant birthday last year, saying he felt “like a teenager again.”

In a recent interview with People magazine, Dick shared that he’s feeling great at 100 years old. He explained that while his energy levels fluctuate, he always starts his day with a positive attitude.

Sadly, the Van Der Beek family shared on February 11th that James, who had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023, passed away.

James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning, according to a statement from his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, posted on Instagram. The statement said he faced his final days with courage, faith, and grace.

Following the news, many of James’ loved ones grieved the passing of their friend.

“It’s hard to take all of this in,” Katie Holmes, who worked with him on Dawson’s Creek, posted on Instagram. “I’m so thankful I got to be a part of James’ life. Everyone loved him.”

Actress Busy Philipps, a fellow graduate, shared her sadness, saying many people are heartbroken by the news. She expressed sympathy for everyone who knew and loved James, admired his work, or was part of the community that supported him during his illness, particularly his family – his parents, brother, and sister.

Read on to see how other stars paid tribute to James in the wake of his death. 

The creator of Dawson’s Creek shared a heartfelt message to Kimberly Van Der Beek on Instagram on February 12th, expressing his love and support for her and her family. He wrote that the entire Dawson’s Creek family is there for them. He also thanked everyone for the overwhelming show of love and support, saying he struggled to find the words to express how much James meant to him. He ultimately said his thoughts were with Kimberly and her family, and that he hoped to find the right words to honor James someday.

Katie, who worked with James on Dawson’s Creek, shared a handwritten note on Instagram on February 12th expressing her gratitude. She wrote that sharing a creative space with him felt special – like they could freely express themselves and trust each other. She fondly remembered laughter, conversations, and listening to James Taylor songs during their time together, calling it a unique and memorable part of their youth.

She described his life as a beautiful work of art, filled with love – a wonderful marriage and six children. She said it was a heroic journey, and while deeply saddened by his passing, she felt immense gratitude for the impact he had on her life and held onto the memory of him.

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 kindness, joy, and a strong faith that was clear to everyone who knew him. He was incredibly talented and funny, but also thoughtful and down-to-earth. He was always learning, striving to improve himself, and wasn’t afraid to try new things.

She shared, “James was a wonderful father and completely devoted to Kimberly – they were truly soulmates. I’ll always be inspired by the grace and support Kimberly showed him.”

I usually know what to say, but today I’m speechless,” wrote Mary, who played James’ mother on Dawson’s Creek. “James, you were a truly graceful and strong fighter. You faced a difficult challenge with so much quiet dignity, and I will always love and admire you for it.

She said the conversations they recently had – just a few days ago – will always hold a special place in her heart. She also asked that everyone in the Dawson’s Creek community respect their need for quiet at this time, as Kimberly and her family have requested privacy.

Krysten shared sad news on Instagram, writing, “Really hard news today.” She expressed 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 also sent love to his on-screen persona, calling him “fake James.”

Oh, James! Everyone loved him, of course, but to me and my family, he wasn’t just ‘Brother James,’ he was Uncle James. I just had to share because I’m still reeling. He was the most incredible friend – always there, always going above and beyond. I’ll never forget when our dog passed away in the middle of the night; he was right there with a shovel. And when our babies were born, it was him and Kimberly who rushed over first! It wasn’t just that they celebrated with us, they lived those moments with us, they were truly part of our lives.

It meant so much to be your friend and share time with you,” she said. “We’ll miss you terribly, and nothing will ever feel quite the same. We promise to love and support your family, and we’ll always remember your zest for life and keep dancing in your memory – you taught us how important it is to find joy. We love you, and we always will.

A former coworker of James expressed deep sadness, saying, ‘I’m so thankful to have known James as a brother, and I will miss him very much. May he rest in peace.’

Honestly, my heart just aches today. It’s not just me, it’s everyone who ever loved James – anyone who was touched by his work, or lucky enough to meet him. I’m thinking of all his friends and everyone who supported him through everything, especially his family – his parents, brother, and sister. But mostly… mostly my heart is just completely shattered for Kimberly, his amazing wife, and those six beautiful kids. They were such a magical family, and it’s just… devastating.

She shared, “James Van Der Beek was a truly unique and irreplaceable person, and I’m heartbroken by his loss. I’m still trying to process this, and I’m just incredibly sad. He was a dear friend, and I’ll always cherish the years we spent together.”

“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.”

I was so heartbroken to hear this news. He was an amazing father, a devoted husband, and such a talented artist – truly a wonderful person. I’m sending all my love and deepest sympathy to his family during this incredibly difficult time.

The actor shared that working with James many years ago was a wonderful experience, describing him as one of the kindest, most generous, and wisest colleagues he’s ever had. 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 on Instagram, expressing his support for the Van Der Beek family and saying he was heartbroken.

 

A representative for the director of Tick, Tick…BOOM! shared a message echoing their social media condolences, saying, “James fought this bravely with his usual kindness and wit, and his work undoubtedly helped many people. I was honored to be his stand-in at the Dawson’s Creek reunion last year and cherish our friendship. I will miss him deeply.”

She shared on Instagram that he demonstrated unwavering faith in God’s plan, even through painful experiences. She emphasized this was especially true when facing heartbreak.

We spent a beautiful evening watching the sunset, and you shared your thoughts, dreams, and the commitments we’ve made to each other. We talked about how chaotic things can feel, and how maybe you’re needed in heaven to bring some peace to the world. Right as the sun disappeared, a shooting star flashed across the sky – it felt like a sign that everything happens for a reason.

As she put it, “You are a gift.”

She shared on Instagram about a deeply kind person who passed away, calling it a heartbreaking loss. She expressed her sympathy to the family and offered support, letting them know others are there for them during this difficult time.

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

The actress expressed her deep sadness over the loss, sending love and support to Kimberly and her children during this difficult time.

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

She began, addressing him as a beautiful soul, and shared that anyone who knew him was deeply impacted by his kindness and wisdom. She spoke of his loving family connections, especially the extraordinary bond he shared with Kimberly, and cherished the invaluable life lessons and advice he had given her, promising to hold them close forever. He remained, in her eyes, the wisest person she’d ever known.

She went on, saying she could hardly begin to describe his beautiful writing. He had a gift with words, and whenever he wrote, he reminded everyone of the power of gentle emotion. “James,” she said, “you were, and are, so deeply loved and missed. My heart is broken, and I know that pain will stay with us all forever.”

Kimberly,” the Twilight actor continued, “we’re sending all our love to you and your adorable babies. You and James are such an amazing example of love, and I’m here for you always, no matter what.

I’m absolutely devastated to hear about James Vanderkamp. Seriously, my heart is broken! He was such a genuinely kind person, and I always heard what a fantastic father he was. Of course, everyone knew him as an amazing actor, but for me… well, he was my first on-screen kiss! I’ll never forget when he guest starred on ‘Clarissa Explains It All’ – it was a total dream come true, and I’ll cherish that memory forever. He’ll be so missed.

She shared that he passed away too young, but fought bravely. They met about two years ago on the show #WeAreFamily, where he performed with his daughter and was a supportive father. She sends her deepest sympathies to his wife, six children, 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 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 said the news was incredibly upsetting. “I’m deeply sorry for your loss, and I’m sending my best wishes to everyone,” she added.

Paul shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to James, saying, “Love you.” He expressed his belief that James was now in heaven, surrounded by love, and assured his family they would be in the Van Der Beeks’ thoughts and prayers. Paul also mentioned they were working to raise money to help James’s family. He finished by thanking James for his contributions and remembering 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 sends her love and prayers to Kim and the whole family.

The former One Tree Hill star sent their love and support to the family, saying James was an incredible person. They expressed deep sympathy for the family’s loss and shared that his kindness, creativity, and spirit inspired everyone who knew him to strive to be better. They ended with a blessing for the family.

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

She shared in the comments following the announcement of James’ death, “I love you all, my wonderful friends, and I’m holding you all in my thoughts. I feel so fortunate to have had you in my life for so many years. James was an incredible husband, father, and brother figure to me, and I’m deeply grateful to have seen the love, respect, and care you all shared.”

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.

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2026-02-13 06:48