Why James Van Der Beek fled Los Angeles for a quiet life in Texas following a string of family tragedies

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Okay, so, like, I was completely shocked when I found out James Van Der Beek and Kimberly just…left LA! Seriously, in 2020, they packed up and moved to Texas! It was so unexpected, but honestly? They wanted a calmer life, and good for them! I’ve been following their journey ever since, and it seems like they’re really loving it. It’s just… amazing to see them find peace out there.

Matthew Perry, the actor best known for his role on Dawson’s Creek, passed away on Wednesday at 48 after a two-year fight with colorectal cancer. Before his death, he and his family had moved from their home in Beverly Hills to a 36-acre ranch in Austin.

The couple’s children played a role in their decision, and the father, who had six children, mentioned in a 2021 interview with Austin Life that he wanted them to have more access to nature.

‘We wanted to give the children space and we wanted them to live in nature,’ the actor said. 

The couple had also been through a difficult time personally. Van Der Beek’s mother, Melinda Weber, passed away in July 2020, and Kimberly experienced five miscarriages, two of which were very late in the pregnancy.

James Van Der Beek and his wife have six children: daughters Olivia (15), Annabel (12), Emilia (9), and Gwendolyn (7), and sons Joshua (13) and Jeremiah (4).

Van Der Beek described Austin as a truly special place, saying it has a unique energy that goes beyond any specific belief system or way of thinking. He feels it’s what makes his new home so appealing.

You know, I’ve always been drawn to Texas, and I think a lot of people are. It’s just…different! After living a pretty fast-paced life, I really wanted something more grounded, a place where I could get my hands dirty and truly live life, and Texas just felt like that place. It’s a very practical, hands-on way of life, and honestly, it’s exactly what I was craving.

The couple also shared how they felt a sense of community in Texas.

Van Der Beek shared that he feels well-supported, and it’s been wonderful to show his children the importance of giving back and being involved in helping others, alongside simply letting them enjoy being kids.

James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, had a small wedding ceremony in Israel in 2010. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic meant they couldn’t celebrate their ten-year anniversary in 2020.

Instead, the couple opted for a trip to Austin. Van Der Beek’s wife, a business consultant, recalled feeling a positive vibe as soon as they arrived.

Kimberly said they spent their anniversary visit driving and meditating under a tree, trying to figure out if they should move.

After everything they’d been through, she thought a change of environment would help, and she especially needed to spend time in nature to recover and feel better.

Kimberly explained that she’d recently experienced a difficult year, including two late miscarriages, and was still recovering physically, making it hard to get around.

Kimberly mentioned she’d only been home from the hospital for a few months when they traveled to Austin, and was still feeling very tired.

I was absolutely devastated to hear that she went through two miscarriages in just seven months! She actually said she thought she was going to die – can you imagine how incredibly painful and terrifying that must have been? It just breaks my heart thinking about it, honestly. She’s so strong for sharing her story.

She shared that the miscarriages she experienced in November 2019 and June 2020 were deeply painful and took a severe toll on her health, leaving her worried about her survival.

She shared with Entertainment Tonight in 2021 that she’s experienced five miscarriages, with the last two being particularly challenging. They were severe enough to require hospitalization and were incredibly difficult for her both emotionally and physically.

In 2020, Van Der Beek explained his decision to move in an Instagram post, and mentioned that being unexpectedly eliminated from Dancing With The Stars also played a role.

Over the past ten months have been incredibly difficult. We experienced two heartbreaking pregnancy losses late in term, both of which required hospitalization for Kimberly. We spent the Christmas holidays worried she might have a tumor, but thankfully the doctors were mistaken. Professionally, a colleague I trusted betrayed me and sabotaged a project. I was unexpectedly eliminated from a reality dance competition that I was predicted to win, and sadly, my mother passed away.

Everything that happened – the difficulties and setbacks – caused big shifts in our lives, how we envisioned the future, and what mattered most to us, ultimately bringing us to where we are today.

Oh my gosh, you guys, Chad Michael Murray just posted the sweetest thing! He said he’s totally overwhelmed with gratitude right now, and it’s just… everything! Especially after seeing him in Varsity Blues, One Tree Hill, and even CSI: Cyber – he’s always been amazing, and it’s so good to see him feeling so positive during this new chapter in his life. I’m seriously so happy for him!

Kimberly shared on The Make Down podcast that her family was planning to leave Los Angeles because she believes many people are now seeking a closer connection with nature and a more grounded lifestyle.

She described Los Angeles as a place filled with wonderful memories over many years, making her decision to move a very emotional one. She explained that she’s going to need time to adjust, as she’s created a full life there – including raising her three children in her current home.

‘But you know, I gotta get out of the concrete jungle for a little bit.’

In September 2020, Van Der Beek revealed on Instagram that his family was moving, posting photos of their empty home in Beverly Hills.

He really hit the nail on the head with his post – ‘Sometimes a fuller life begins with an empty house.’ It’s bittersweet seeing him leave Los Angeles, but I’m so happy for him and his family. We’re all going to miss them terribly, of course, but it’s amazing to see him embracing this next chapter and heading off on a brand new adventure! I’m so grateful for all the wonderful times and friendships made here, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for him.

The family embarked on a weeks-long road trip heading east, and Van Der Beek shared updates from their travels with fans.

They visited the Grand Canyon in Arizona and took a cute photo with their children and pets.

Two years after they relocated, Van Der Beek told People that the move has been ‘really centering.’

He said that spending time with his children has been a humbling and uniquely educational experience, something they couldn’t have learned in a traditional school setting.

The actor’s loved ones confirmed his passing in an emotional Instagram post on Wednesday.

James David Van Der Beek passed away peacefully this morning. He faced his final days with courage, faith, and dignity.

We have a lot to share about his hopes, his kindness, and how much he valued every moment. We’ll share those thoughts later. Right now, we kindly ask for privacy and peace as we mourn the loss of our beloved husband, father, son, brother, and friend.

A GoFundMe page was launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek’s family. 

Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 that he had cancer.

He last posted on Instagram on January 25th, appearing fit and well while celebrating his daughter and father’s birthdays.

James Van Der Beek became famous in the 1990s at age 20, starring as Dawson Leery on the popular TV show Dawson’s Creek.

The show aired on the WB Network for six seasons, from 1998 to 2003, and helped make stars of Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, and Joshua Jackson.

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2026-02-12 16:50