James Van Der Beek’s widow is ‘missing him tremendously’ in heartbreaking tribute on his 49th birthday

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Kimberly Brook, James Van Der Beek’s wife, shared over 60 Instagram Stories on Sunday to celebrate what would have been his 49th birthday, expressing how much she misses him.

Actor Michael Landon Jr., known for his role on Dawson’s Creek, died on February 11th at the age of 48 after fighting colorectal cancer for two years.

Van Der Beek is remembered by his six children – Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), Gwendolyn (7), and Jeremiah (4) – several of whom shared a touching tribute to him.

The 43-year-old, who is mourning and has a large following on Instagram, shared a heartfelt message: ‘I’ll always treasure the way you were present at our children’s births, how you held our babies, and how much you meant to me.’

Brook shared 2025 videos of Van Der Beek showcasing his muscles while doing outdoor work and home improvements on their 36-acre ranch near Austin, Texas.

In a charming social media video, actor David Alpay from ‘Sidelined 2: Intercepted’ and his daughter, Annabel, playfully pushed their sunglasses down their noses at the same time.

The healer posted adorable videos of James Van Der Beek dancing with his kids, either at home or during their travels.

Brook wrote that her child is the source of all joy and goodness in her life, bringing love, beauty, a comforting presence, gentleness, security, imagination, and a joyful spirit into the world.

You were the most wonderful person I’ve ever known, and I’m completely heartbroken. I’ll love you always.

Family friends started a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $2.75 million from more than 51,000 donations. The campaign originally aimed to raise $1.5 million to help with everyday costs, medical bills, and the children’s education.

The couple, married for 15 years and first meeting on a 2009 trip to Tel Aviv, Israel, reaffirmed their commitment to each other just days before he passed away.

Brook and her friends spontaneously decided to renew their vows two days prior. They surprised her with new rings, decorated their bedroom with flowers and candles, and she and her partner exchanged vows while still in bed, she told People magazine on February 17th.

‘[The ceremony was] simple and beautiful and moving.’

James Van Der Beek’s first marriage to Heather McComb, a former child star, ended in 2010 after seven years. McComb recently praised Van Der Beek’s current wife, calling her ‘graceful’ and highlighting their strong connection, describing them as ‘true soulmates’ in a post on February 12th.

This Friday, Brook and her family will be celebrating Joshua’s 14th birthday. Then, Brook will turn 44 on March 22nd, and their daughter Emilia will celebrate her 10th birthday the following day, March 23rd.

Fans can see James Van Der Beek in his last movie role as a dangerous pastor named Jacob in the new thriller, The Gates. It opens in AMC theaters across the US this Friday.

Despite everything, Van Der Beek also filmed several episodes of ‘Elle,’ a new series that’s a spin-off of ‘Legally Blonde.’ The show, where he plays Dean Wilson, will be available on Amazon Prime Video starting July 1st.

Laura Kittrell’s high school series, set in the 1990s and already picked up for a second season, features Lexi Minetree, June Diane Raphael, Tom Everett Scott, Chandler Kinney, and David Burtka.

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2026-03-08 22:33