The entertainment world is mourning the loss of actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away on February 11 at the age of 48. While widely recognized for his roles on screen, those close to him emphasize that his most cherished role was that of a dedicated family man.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children. The couple’s family grew unexpectedly over their 15-year marriage, a fact the actor once humorously acknowledged, noting that only one of their children was planned. Their children are Olivia, Joshua, Annabel Leah, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
His family roots were in Connecticut, where he was raised alongside his brother, Jared, and sister, Juliana. Van Der Beek often spoke fondly of his siblings, once referring to his sister as the kindest person he had ever known. His mother, Melinda Weber, a former dancer and gymnastics teacher, passed away in 2020. His father, James William Van Der Beek Sr., had a brief career in professional baseball before moving into telecommunications.
Before his marriage to Kimberly, whom he met in 2009, Van Der Beek was previously married to actress Heather McComb. He and Kimberly married in Israel in 2010.
In the years before his passing, Van Der Beek was public about his gratitude for his family, frequently sharing heartfelt tributes to his children and wife on social media. He was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. Through his public statements, he painted a picture of a man deeply committed to his role as a father and husband, whose personal life was defined by love and connection far beyond his professional achievements.