James Van Der Beek’s final Instagram post now carries a weight few could have anticipated. The beloved Dawson’s Creek star shared a deeply personal tribute just weeks before his passing, offering fans a glimpse of the love that defined his final chapter.
According to Page Six, James Van Der Beek died on Wednesday after battling colorectal cancer since August 2023. He was 48. In his last post, dated Jan. 25, James honored two people closest to his heart—his 12-year-old daughter, Annabel, and his father, James—as they celebrated their shared birthday.
James Van Der Beek’s Emotional Birthday Tribute
In the photo, James wrapped his arms around Annabel, holding her close as she hugged him back. Dressed in a sweater and beanie, he looked relaxed and present, focused entirely on the moment. He also shared a separate image of his father alongside Annabel, drawing a touching comparison between them.
“I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart,” James Van Der Beek wrote, praising their shared creativity and kindness. He reflected on their ability to brighten every room and said he felt “insanely grateful” to have them in his life. “The world is a better place because the two of you are in it,” he added, closing with a simple declaration of love.
A Courageous Battle And A Lasting Legacy
James Van Der Beek had publicly revealed his cancer diagnosis in November 2024. Despite his health challenges, he continued to express gratitude and perspective. In what would become his final interview in December 2025, he described the diagnosis as the “best thing that ever happened” to him—a statement that spoke to how profoundly it reshaped his understanding of time and purpose.
His wife, Kimberly, later shared that he met his final days “with courage, faith, and grace,” asking for privacy as the family grieves. Beyond his iconic role as Dawson Leery and his six seasons on the hit series, James Van Der Beek leaves behind six children and a legacy rooted not only in television history but also in devotion to family. His final message now stands as a reminder that, even in life’s most difficult seasons, love remains the lasting imprint.