In the wake of James Van Der Beek‘s untimely passing, his close friend and Dancing with the Stars host Alfonso Ribeiro has shared an intimate glimpse into their final moments together.
Van Der Beek, best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek, died on February 11 at the age of 48 following a diagnosis of Stage 3 colorectal cancer. On Thursday, Ribeiro took to social media to say goodbye to the man he called his “brother and life guide.”
A Final Goodbye
In a touching Instagram post, Ribeiro shared a photo taken by James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, showing Ribeiro lying in bed with the late actor, holding him close.
“This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,” Ribeiro wrote. “My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”
The image offers a raw look at the deep bond between the two stars, who supported each other through Van Der Beek’s difficult health battle.
A Promise to the Family
Ribeiro also revealed a personal connection to the Van Der Beek family that many fans were unaware of: he is the godfather to their 7-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn.
In his tribute, Ribeiro pledged his continued support to Kimberly and the couple’s six children—Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
“I will always be there for their children,” Ribeiro promised. “I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.”
A Battle Fought with Grace
James Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. Despite the severity of the diagnosis, he remained optimistic and public about his journey, hoping to raise awareness. In a December 2025 interview with TODAY, he spoke about how the illness had given him the “gift of presence.”
According to his wife Kimberly, James passed peacefully surrounded by his family. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she stated.
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