James Van Der Beek’s heartbroken brother Jared speaks out after actor’s death at 48

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Jared Van Der Beek, brother of the late actor James Van Der Beek, has spoken out following his brother’s death at age 48.

James passed away on February 11th after a two-and-a-half-year fight with colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he shared in November 2024.

On Friday, 47-year-old Jared shared a series of photos on Instagram, along with a heartfelt message, to honor his older brother.

He started the note by explaining that a unique connection between brothers had been severed, as his brother had passed away two days prior.

He finally understood why losing someone you love is called heartbreak. He said the pain was incredibly deep and something he’d never experienced before.

Jared referred to his brother as his ‘person’ and ‘the one I went to for any and all things.’

Jared also wrote about his older brother, saying he’s admired him his whole life and that his brother has always been supportive whenever he’s needed help.

He shared that he found comfort in realizing the positive impact he had on people simply by being himself, rather than through any specific actions or achievements.

Despite how deeply painful this is, Jared said the support, love, and prayers he’s received are already helping him heal.

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who reached out with their support. The people who were closely involved during this difficult time were incredible. Thank you to all, both those I know and those I don’t, who helped make his final moments peaceful and beautiful.

He wrote to his brother, James, saying he already missed talking to him and having his wise advice.

Even though you’re gone, I still feel you with me, and I know you’ll always guide me. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I love you.

James, Jared, and their sister Juliana all had their childhoods in Connecticut, and Juliana appeared in photos Jared shared.

While battling illness, James Van Der Beek’s father, James William Van Der Beek Sr., came to live with him, his wife Kimberly, and their six children to provide support.

The actor lost his mother Melinda Weber in July 2020. 

Just one month before he passed away, James purchased the 36-acre Texas ranch he and his family had been renting, according to Realtor.com.

After his mother passed away, he and his wife, Kimberly, moved their family from Los Angeles to Spicewood, Texas in 2020.

The couple, married in 2010, decided to rent the house to see if they liked the neighborhood before buying it.

Realtor.com’s review of property records shows James Van Der Beek and his wife bought the large home for $4.76 million on January 9th in a private sale. The purchase was made through a limited liability company managed by a lawyer in California, according to the outlet.

They decided to move to be closer to nature, a wish shared by their father, who explained in a 2021 interview with Austin Life that it was important for their children.

James and Kimberly had six children: daughters Olivia (15), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), and Gwendolyn (7), and sons Joshua (13) and Jeremiah (4).

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2026-02-14 10:49