Actor, comedian, and television host Alfonso Ribeiro has taken to his Instagram account to wish his good friend James Van Der Beek a happy heavenly birthday.
Van Der Beek, 48, tragically passed away on February 11 after a long and brave battle with colorectal cancer. At the time, Ribeiro, 54, posted a heartbreaking photograph of his final goodbye with the “Dawson’s Creek” star.
Having known each for years prior, Ribeiro and Van Der Beek became close friends after the pair competed on 2019’s season 28 of “Dancing with the Stars,” which the former now hosts. Their shared experiences as 1990s television stars helped them to form an immediate bond that strengthened in the years since.
Now, on what would have been Van Der Beek’s 49th birthday, Ribeiro used his social media to express his grief and pay tribute to him again.
Alfonso Ribeiro Remembers His ‘Dear Brother’ James Van Der Beek
Alfonso Ribeiro’s post, shared with his 1.6 million followers, included a photograph of him with James Van Der Beek in an outdoor setting, with both men smiling and clearly enjoying each other’s company.
The post’s caption read, “Happy birthday my dear brother. As this day is ending I’ve cried many tears. You’ve meant the world to me.”
It was short and sweet, and perfectly captured the wholesome nature of the famous pair’s friendship.
Ribeiro also posted a story, with a picture of him and Van Der Beek, with the text “Happy heavenly birthday @vanderjames” overlayed on it.
The star’s followers posted in their droves to share their grief and love with the former “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” star.
Ribeiro’s Followers Are Sorry for His ‘Continued Loss’
GettyAlfonso Ribeiro’s fans responded to his heartfelt birthday tribute for James Van Der Beek with kind and supportive words.
One of Ribeiro’s followers wrote, “He was fortunate to have your friendship. So sorry for your continued loss. (I would be lost without my BFF of 49 years). I can only imagine how you feel without him.”
Another follower said, “What great friends you have. I had the privilege of meeting him at Drew University when he got his diploma. What a lovely family. And one of the nicest celebrities ive ever let. He will be missed by many. Xoxo.”
Someone else commented, “You were true friends brothers and family you could see the love between you. Happy Heavenly Birthday James.”
A particularly thoughtful individual mused, “The ones that have loved him the most are so strong and will miss him the most. I can’t imagine. Thank you for being so vulnerable. All of you. May we all lead with love and try to live in the present as he did. I am so very sorry for your loss.”
Finally, one person said, “Soul brothers, I know the feeling with my own soul family and it will never die. Thank you for sharing.”
We hope Alfonso Ribeiro is coping with the loss of his friend, James Van Der Beek, and we send him our support.
Happy heavenly birthday, James. May you rest in eternal peace.
