Alfonso Ribeiro is leaning on his family after the heartbreaking loss of his close friend James Van Der Beek.
Just days after the “Dawson’s Creek” alum died on Feb. 11 at age 48 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer, Ribeiro’s wife, Angela Ribeiro, shared a quiet but powerful moment from inside their home. On Feb. 16, she posted a photo to her Instagram Stories of a homemade cake their children baked for their parents.
“Not the easiest week…but our kids made us this beautiful cake to lift our spirits today. Kids just know. 🤍” Angela wrote.
It was a small gesture, but one that clearly meant everything.
A Family Showing Up for Each Other
Ribeiro, 54, is a father of four: daughter Sienna, 23, whom he shares with ex-wife Robin Stapler, and three children with Angela — sons Alfonso “AJ” Lincoln, 12, and Anders Reyn, 10, and daughter Ava Sue, 6, per People. He often shares proud dad moments on social media, from birthdays to vacations to everyday milestones.
This time, it was his kids who showed up for him.
In the days leading up to Angela’s post, Ribeiro publicly mourned Van Der Beek, calling him his “true friend brother and life guide.” He also revealed that he is the godfather to Van Der Beek’s 7-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn, describing that role as one of the most important of his life.
“I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life,” he wrote in his tribute.Ribeiro later shared an intimate bedside photo taken by Kimberly Van Der Beek, showing him cradling his friend shortly before saying his final goodbye. “My last moment was making him laugh one last time,” he wrote. “I really miss him already.”
Support Pouring In From All Sides
While his children brought comfort at home, support has also poured in from across Hollywood.
After Ribeiro shared his tribute, celebrities and fans filled his comment section with messages of love. Christina Ricci wrote, “Sending so much love,” while Trista Sutter commented, “Virtual hug your way.” Tatyana Ali added, “Alfonso, I’m so sorry for your loss. God Bless you and all who loved him.” Questlove shared his condolences as well.
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, announced his passing in a statement on Instagram, writing that he “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” and asking for privacy as the family grieves. A GoFundMe created to support Kimberly and their six children has since raised more than $2 million, according to prior reporting.
In the middle of so much heartbreak, it was a homemade cake that said what words sometimes cannot.
As Angela put it, “Kids just know.”
