Hallmark stars past and present took to social media to mourn the loss of a beloved colleague. James Van Der Beek died on February 11 at the age of 48, and his fellow entertainers made it clear he left a lasting impression on him.
James Van Der Beek Is Remembered by Many Hallmark Stars for His Kindness
Van Der Beek starred in Hallmark’s Debbie Macomber’s “Mrs. Miracle,” which debuted in 2009. He played Seth Webster, a widower to two young children. In the movie, Seth hires Mrs. Merkle, played by Doris Roberts, as a housekeeper.
During the movie, Seth falls in love with Reba Maxwell, played by Erin Karpluk. Hallmark fans have also seen Karpluk in “The Chicken Sisters” and the “Three Wise Men” movies.
Johannah Newmarch, who plays Molly Sullivan on “When Calls the Heart,” also had a role in “Mrs. Miracle.”
After learning of Van Der Beek’s death, those who worked with Van Der Beek over the years took to social media to mourn his death.
“Caught by Love” star Rachael Leigh Cook shared her thoughts, and a link to the GoFundMe started for Van Der Beek’s family, via an Instagram Story. “I wanted to help because I feel certain James would have done the same for me. James was gentle of heart and sharp of mind, A true professional and stellar human. Sending all of my love to his beautiful family.”
Nikki DeLoach shared via an Instagram Story, “He loved his wife and kids with every fiber of his being. I’m heartbroken for them and all who loved James. I am covering them with prayer and sending so much love.”
Hallmark Stars & Alums Are Heartbroken
“Reba” and “As Luck Would Have It” star JoAnna Garcia Swisher also paid tribute to Van Der Beek via an Instagram Story. She wrote, “@vanderjames, your gentle loving spirit was such a gift. Your remarkable kindness, wisdom, courage, and grace changed the alchemy of any space you were in.”
She continued, “And your profound insights will continue to change the lives of not only those who were lucky enough to know you, but those who admired your talent and professional contributions. You will be dearly missed, James.”
Sharon Lawrence commented on the Van Der Beek family’s Instagram post, writing, “Heartbreaking. His courage, wisdom & generous spirit are eternal gifts he left behind. Bless his spirit & family.”
Ashley Williams remembered Van Der Beek in an Instagram Story as an “Incredible human.”
Fellow Hallmark star Mary-Margaret Humes shared a beautiful tribute to Van Der Beek, as well.
Melissa Joan Hart, who starred in Hallmark’s “Broadcasting Christmas,” shared a couple of photos on Instagram showing her with Van Der Beek during her “Clarissa Explains It All” days.
Hart wrote, “I’m heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away! He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on screen kiss when he guest starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll.”
She continued, “Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight. We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does.”
Ryan McPartlin, who has starred in several Hallmark movies, including “The Right Kind of Wrong,” wrote, “Rest well & thank you for sharing this message.”
Several others tied to Hallmark shared broken-heart emojis or simply an Instagram Story of an outlet announcing his death as a way to pay tribute to him. Laura Vanderwoort did that, as did Lacey Chabert, Holly Robinson Peete, Jill Hennessy, and Candace Cameron Bure.
Danica McKellar, who starred in Hallmark’s “MatchMaker Mysteries,” wrote in an Instagram Story, “Gutted to learn of his passing. If you have a moment, watch this post from last year. It’s a gift [he] has given us all.”
A GoFundMe started by friends of the Van Der Beek family has already raised nearly $1.4 million.
