James Van Der Beek’s Final Instagram Post Was a Powerful Family Tribute: ‘You Are Marvels’

James Van Der Beek, the beloved Dawson’s Creek alum who died on Wednesday, February 11, honored his father and daughter in his final Instagram post.

In a photo carousel posted January 25, the late actor paid tribute to his 12-year-old daughter, Annabel, and his father, James, on their joint birthday.

“My father and my daughter share a birthday today,” Van Der Beek, who died at age 48 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, wrote in the post’s caption.

“At first, I thought that was all they shared – they seemed so different to me,” he continued. “But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart.”

“I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality,” Van Der Beek wrote. “And you both make every room you’re in more fun. Different [senses] of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this.”

“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good,” the Varsity Blues star added. “You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life. The world is a better place because the two of you are in it.”

The father of six, who shares his children with wife Kimberly, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023. He made his diagnosis public in November 2024.

In recent months, he was scheduled to reunite with his fellow Dawson’s Creek cast members in September, but dropped out at the last minute due to his health.

His family issued a statement on Wednesday following his death.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the post on his Instagram read. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” the statement continued. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”

Van Der Beek is also survived by children Olivia (born in 2010), Joshua (born in 2012), Emilia (born in 2016), Gwendolyn (born in 2018) and Jeremiah (born in 2021).