James Van Der Beek’s Final Instagram Post Was a Heartfelt Tribute to His Daughter and Father
Just weeks before his death at age 48, James Van Der Beek shared a deeply moving message on Instagram — one that now feels even more poignant.
The Dawson’s Creek star’s final post was a tender birthday tribute to his 12-year-old daughter, Annabel, who shares her special day with his father. In the emotional caption, Van Der Beek reflected on the bond between three generations, celebrating the similarities he had come to see between his dad and his daughter.
A Birthday Message That Now Carries Even More Meaning
On Sunday, Jan. 25, James posted a photo of himself hugging Annabel, smiling warmly as they marked her birthday. What seemed like a simple family celebration has since become a touching farewell.
“My father and my daughter share a birthday today,” he wrote. “At first, I thought that was all they shared — they seemed so different to me. 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.”
He went on to describe the qualities he admired in both of them — their care for others, their creativity, and the subtle way they could brighten any room.
“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,” he continued. “And you both make every room you’re in more fun… 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.”
Perhaps most moving was his final line:
“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good.”
Those words now read as both a father’s pride and an unintended goodbye.
A Devoted Family Man
James shared six children with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, whom he married in 2010. Together they raised Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9½, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
Kimberly, 43, announced his passing on Wednesday, Feb. 11, in an emotional Instagram post. Just weeks earlier, on Dec. 21, 2025, she had posted a smiling photo of the two of them captioned simply: “Me and my bae.”
Family was always at the center of James’ life something he made clear both publicly and privately.
View this post on Instagram
His Brave Health Battle
In 2023, James was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer. He kept the diagnosis private at first, later revealing it publicly in November 2024.
“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” he told PEOPLE at the time.
Though he was unable to attend a Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event in September 2025, he surprised attendees with a heartfelt video message while Kimberly and their children represented him in person.
In what would become one of his final television interviews, James sat down with Today show host Craig Melvin in December 2025. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“I feel much, much better than I did a couple months ago. It’s been a longer journey than I ever thought it would be. It’s required more of me more patience, more discipline, more strength than I knew I had. I knew I was strong I didn’t know I was this strong. But I feel good.”
Those words now stand as a testament to his resilience, courage, and determination.
A Legacy of Love
While millions will remember James Van Der Beek for his iconic role as Dawson Leery and his decades-long acting career, those closest to him will remember something even greater: his devotion as a father and husband.
His final Instagram post wasn’t about Hollywood or fame. It wasn’t about awards or red carpets. It was about family — about recognizing goodness in the next generation and honoring the love passed down through his own.
In celebrating his daughter and his father, James unknowingly gave the world one last glimpse into what mattered most to him.
And in doing so, he left behind a message filled with warmth, gratitude, and enduring love.