Actor James Van Der Beek passed away earlier this week after fighting cancer for the last few years. Heartfelt tributes are now pouring in from his friends and family.
Keep reading to learn more.
Alfonso Ribeiro has shared a heartbreaking tribute to his late friend, actor James Van Der Beek. On February 12, he posted his final goodbye to the beloved actor, including a picture capturing their emotional “last goodbye” and a final message in his honor.
James Van Der Beek died at age 48 on February 11, 2026, after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer for three years. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek became friends in 2019 when they met on Season 28 of Dancing with the Stars. James was competing that season while Alfonso co‑hosted with Julianna Hough. Their friendship grew quickly and lasted until the end. Ribeiro even became the godfather to Van Der Beek’s daughter Gwendolyn.
James’ passing was first confirmed by his wife, Kimberly, who shared a statement on his official Instagram account. Alfonso posted his tribute shortly afterward, sharing a photo taken, it appears, just months earlier. In it, James looks healthy and smiles directly at the camera.
In the caption, Alfonso wrote:
“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother, and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer.
His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart.”
He also vowed to look after his late friend’s family, especially his six children, calling it “one of the most important roles of my life.”
A day later, on February 12, he shared another post remembering James, including a heartbreaking account of the actor’s final moments and a photo as well.
In the picture, taken by Kimberly, James is lying in bed and looks visibly ill. Ribeiro is cradling his friend’s head as the two share what appears to be a final hug.
In the caption he wrote, “This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”
He also shared the official link to the GoFundMe created to support James’ family, along with a photo of the children and a caption reading, “If you feel called, please consider supporting this beautiful family…”
This is an incredibly heartbreaking loss. We are sending our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and fans of the late actor James Van Der Beek.
