Ali Larter shared deeply personal words about her late co-star James Van Der Beek. While attending the 2026 Actor Awards on Sunday, March 1, the “Varsity Blues” actress paused to reflect on James Van Der Beek’s passing.
Ali Larter Honors James Van Der Beek’s ‘Grace’ After His Passing
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Larter spoke openly about the loss and the grace she believes he carried throughout his life.
“My heart goes out to Kimberly and his six beautiful children,” Larter, 50, told Entertainment Tonight on Sunday, March 1, at the 2026 Actor Awards.
“He just had such grace within him, and that’s really what I think he gifted to the world. My heart is with his family.”
Van Der Beek and Larter starred together in the 1999 sports drama “Varsity Blues.” He played Jonathan “Mox” Moxon, a gifted but reluctant high school quarterback. Larter portrayed Darcy Sears.
The film also featured Jon Voight, Scott Caan, and late actors Paul Walker and Ron Lester.
What began as a film role evolved into a meaningful chapter in their careers, cementing lasting bonds among the cast.
How James Van Der Beek Faced His Cancer Diagnosis With Optimism
GettyThe former “Dancing With The Stars” star publicly revealed in November 2024 that he had been diagnosed with stage III colorectal cancer.
“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. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good.”
He later shared that doctors discovered the cancer during a colonoscopy after he noticed symptoms in 2023.
Throughout his illness, Van Der Beek encouraged others to prioritize screenings and pay attention to their bodies.
“Even just the slightest little change, it could be something, but … don’t think that not having symptoms means you don’t have to get screened, especially for something that is this curable when caught early,” he said in an interview with Today.
“That’s really what I want to get across. I ate as well as I could. I was healthy. I was in amazing cardiovascular shape. There was no reason in my mind that I should have gotten a positive diagnosis.”
In what would become one of his final interviews, he reflected on how the diagnosis changed him.
“As soon as I heard the news [about my colorectal cancer diagnosis], I went into shock,” he told Today’s Craig Melvin in December 2025.
“One of the things I was really lucky about was, as soon as I heard the news, I thought, ‘This is going to be the best thing that ever happened to me.’”
Family’s Heartfelt Statement Annoucing His Death
News of Van Der Beek’s death was shared through a statement posted on his Instagram page on February 11.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the statement read.
“He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now, we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The Travis County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that he was pronounced dead at 6:44 a.m. A medical professional made the call to the examiner’s office.
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, whom he married in August 2010, and their six children.
