Alfonso Ribeiro shared a deeply personal memory with his late friend James Van Der Beek.
In a new Instagram post, the “Dancing With the Stars” co-host revealed a photo taken just moments before he said goodbye to the “Dawson’s Creek” alum. “This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,” Ribeiro wrote. “My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”
The emotional update comes just days after Ribeiro first announced he was “so broken” over Van Der Beek’s passing, describing him as a “true friend brother and life guide.” In that initial tribute, Ribeiro shared that he had been by Van Der Beek’s side throughout his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer and reflected on the highs and lows of the journey.
“He will live forever in my heart,” Ribeiro wrote at the time. “Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
He also made it clear their bond extended far beyond friendship. “I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life,” Ribeiro wrote, referring to his role as godfather to one of Van Der Beek’s children. He ended the tribute with, “I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me.”
A Friendship That Went Beyond the Ballroom
Ribeiro’s “Dancing with the Stars” family rallied around him in the comments. His former dance partner Witney Carson wrote, “He was so loved by you, and you could tell how much he loved you and your family. I’m sending so many prayers and healing your way. Love you so much ❤️🩹.”
His wife, Angela Ribeiro, added, “Your bond was so beautiful with him…I have no doubt he will be one amazing spirit guide.🤍” Co-host Julianne Hough also commented, “You are such a beautiful friend and soul mate, Al ❤️.”
While Van Der Beek competed on season 28 of “DWTS” in 2019 with partner Emma Slater, finishing in fifth place, his connection with Ribeiro deepened in the years that followed.
According to Ribeiro’s past appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” he formed a close friendship with Van Der Beek during the COVID-19 pandemic. Per “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Ribeiro and actor Mark-Paul Gosselaar purchased recreational vehicles during lockdown and later convinced Van Der Beek to buy the same model. The three families would travel together and park their matching RVs side by side, jokingly calling themselves “tripsies.”
Family, Friendship and Lasting Memories
Their friendship was also on display in 2021 when Van Der Beek hosted Thanksgiving at his Texas ranch. Per the Daily Mail, Ribeiro was among the guests enjoying the outdoor dinner celebration with their families. The gathering showed the two actors in full dad mode, surrounded by their children and sharing a relaxed holiday together.
For Ribeiro, those memories now carry even more weight. His tribute makes clear that Van Der Beek was not just a colleague or travel buddy, but someone he considered family.
“He will live forever in my heart,” Ribeiro wrote. “RIP my brother. RIP.”
