Tragedy as James Van Der Beek's wife left behind with six children after star's death from colon cancer
James Van Der Beek's legacy lives on through his six children whom he shared with wife of nearly 16 years, Kimberley.
The Dawson's Creek star, who died Wednesday aged 48 after a public two-year battle with colorectal cancer, became a father for the first time in 2010, just weeks after they tied the knot.
Over the last 16 years, the beloved Hollywood actor gushed about fatherhood and raved about his little ones.
Van Der Beek's death was announced in emotional Instagram post in which they revealed his final days were met with 'courage, faith, and grace.'
'There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,' they wrote.
'Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.'
Here, the Daily Mail looked at his six children and the tributes he wrote for them before he passed.
James Van Der Beek is survived by his wife Kimberly and their six children following his death
The Dawson's Creek actor married actress, producer, and podcast co-host Kimberly in 2010
Olivia Van Der Beek, 15
Van Der Beek's first child Olivia was born on September 25, 2010, in Los Angeles.
She is the only child to be born in hospital, with her siblings all being delivered at home.
Despite a smooth-sailing pregnancy, Van Der Beek revealed that Olivia's arrival was difficult and he and Kimberly were thankful they were had medical help.
He described his first born as wise beyond her years in an emotional tribute shared to Instagram on her 14th birthday.
Van Der Beek's first child Olivia was born on September 25, 2010
'I continue to be in awe of the grace with which you teach us how to parent,' he wrote in an emotional caption last September.
'You've always been wise beyond your years… but as those years advance deeper into teenage-dom and we all adjust to the changes, I want to commend you for the bravery with which you separate from us and call in your own experiences… and tell you how much we appreciate the sincerity and sweetness with which you re-engage with the family.'
Olivia made her first television appearance in February 2024 alongside her dad as they competed on an episode of We Are Family, a game show where a celebrity's family sings to judges who must guess their famous relative.
Joshua Van Der Beek, 13
The actor described his first son, Joshua, as his adventure buddy
Joshua Van Der Beek, Van Der Beek and Kimberly's second child, was born at home on March 13, 2012.
According to an essay penned by Kimberly for People, she had sought out a doctor who was skilled at delivering breech babies.
She wrote in the publication that Joshua arrived in their arms, in their bed, as the sun was rising.
'No one has taught me more about the kind of man I want to be more than you,' Van Der Beek said of Joshua on his 13th birthday last March.
'Your questions are my guideposts. Your opinions my mirror. And your sense of humor fills me with endless delight.
'I kind of always knew I'd have a sensitive, thoughtful son… but your depth and wisdom far exceed anything I could have imagined. And the more you reveal who you are the more grateful I am to know you.'
Van Der Beek concluded his post by thanking Joshua for being his adventure buddy.
'I simply could not imagine a better son,' he said.
Annabel Leah Van Der Beek, 12
Hollywood star Van Der Beek said Annabel has the 'softest, most empathetic heart I know'
Van Der Beek's second daughter Annabel was born January 25, 2014.
At the time of her birth, parents Van Der Beek and Kimberly didn't know the sex of the new addition, nor did they have any names in mind.
On her 11th birthday, Van Der Beek described Annabel has the 'softest, most empathetic heart I know.'
'From the moment you came out you've had the ability to bring joy and peace to those around you simply by existing,' he penned.
'May you continue to trust that and always know that your dad sees you, and recognizes you, and loves everything about you. And always will.'
Emilia Van Der Beek, nine
To Van Der Beek, his third daughter Emilia was considered an 'authority'
Third daughter Emilia was born on March 23, 2016, at their home in Los Angeles.
'I consider all my children my teachers, but you I've always considered an authority,' Van Der Beek said of the youngster on her ninth birthday last year.
'Whether you're ushering us all out the door on time, helping put your little brother to bed, or telling me where you think I went wrong… when you speak, I listen.'
Gwendolyn Van Der Beek, seven
Seven-year-old Gwendolyn can bring a room full of adults to laughter
Gwendolyn Van Der Beek, the couple's youngest daughter and fifth child, was born June 15, 2018.
On her seventh birthday, Van Der Beek described her as a 'low-key genius' filled to the max with sweetness and sass.
'You can bring a roomful of adults to genuine, uproarious laughter, and witnessing you care for and nurture younger kids is enough to restore anyone's faith in humanity,' he wrote.
'Thank you for your insights, your entertainment, and most importantly your beautifully open heart.
'You have inspired me and taught me more about presence and patience than I could ever express in a post. I love you with all my heart, and treasure you always.'
Jeremiah Van Der Beek, four
Jeremiah Van Der Beek is the youngest child of Van Der Beek and Kimberly
Born at the couple's Texas ranch on October 10, 2021, Jeremiah Van Der Beek is the youngest of the actor's children.
In his last birthday tribute, Van Der Beek apologized to his son for not being strong enough to 'be the father' he wanted to be for him.
He also described the youngster as a 'fun-loving, passionate soul' who 'doesn't think twice about speaking up for exactly what he wants.'
'I'm sorry there have been spells where I couldn't be the father I would want to be for you… where I was too weak to pick you up, throw you around, or even put you to bed,' he wrote.
'But know that watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life.
'And even though you're stingy with the hugs… when you do decide to wrap those thick little arms around my neck, it's like time has stood still and all is right with the world.'
