When news broke that James Van Der Beek had died at 48, fans felt the loss deeply. The beloved “Dawson’s Creek” star passed away on February 11, 2026, after a long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly, confirmed his death in a heartfelt message that described his final days as "peaceful" and full of faith.
Soon after, a video the late soft-eyed star posted in March 2025 began spreading fast across social media. It was not flashy or dramatic. It was quiet, honest, and deeply personal. In just a few minutes, Van Der Beek shared a message about identity, faith, and self-worth that now feels like his farewell gift to the world.
The Birthday Message That Became a Farewell
Kim / IG / Van Der Beek originally posted the video on his birthday. He called the past year the hardest of his life and spoke openly about how cancer changed him.
The soft-eyed star explained that he had long defined himself as an actor, a husband, and a father. When treatment made him too sick to step into those roles fully, he felt stripped of the very things that shaped his identity. That loss forced him to ask a simple but painful question. Who am I if I cannot do what I have always done?
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In the video, he described a moment of meditation. He searched for clarity while facing his own mortality. What came to him was not about fame or success. It was worth about.
The “Varsity Blues” star said he realized he was worthy of God’s love simply because he exists. He then widened that message so no one felt left out. If the word God does not sit right with you, he said, take it out. The heart of the message remains the same. You are worthy of love because you are here.
The Internet Responds in a Big Way
Kim / IG / After his death, the video spread quickly across platforms. Millions watched and shared it within days.
Dancing with the Stars judge Derek Hough reposted the clip and called Van Der Beek a wise and loving man. Others, including podcaster Patrick Bet David and actor Eric Martsolf, praised his honesty.
James Van Der Beek first received his colorectal cancer diagnosis in August 2023. He went public with the news in November 2024. From that point on, he chose openness over silence.
The Hollywood star spoke about the emotional toll of treatment. He also talked about the financial strain it placed on his family. Despite years in Hollywood, he revealed that an early Dawson’s Creek contract left him with limited residual income.
Medical bills mounted quickly. To help cover costs, he sold limited-edition autographed Varsity Blues jerseys. He also auctioned off personal memorabilia, including the necklace Dawson gave Joey on Dawson’s Creek and items from the Varsity Blues set. The Propstore auction alone raised more than $47,000.
His fellow actors stepped up as well. Paul Walter Hauser launched a Cameo fundraiser to support him. After Van Der Beek’s death, Kimberly started a GoFundMe campaign to help the family remain in their home and provide stability for their six children.