It has been a heartbreaking month as the entertainment industry mourns the loss of two beloved stars and family men, James Van Der Beek and Eric Dane. Van Der Beek passed away on February 10, 2026, and Dane’s passing was announced yesterday, on February 19, 2026. A haunting photo of them attending an event with their wives has spotlighted a forgotten connection.
Photo of James Van Der Beek & Eric Dane
GettyDane and Van Der Beek were both popular actors who starred in memorable television shows. Dane is remembered for his roles in “Grey’s Anatomy” as Dr. Mark Everett Sloan and Cal Jacobs in “Euphoria.” Van Der Beek is celebrated as a ‘90s star with his appearance as Dawson Leery in “Dawson’s Creek.” He also competed on Season 28 of “Dancing with the Stars” alongside Emma Slater.
They would both sadly pass away young, within nine days of each other, this month. It is unclear if the actors were friends, but they clearly knew each other. The pair attended the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball for its 16th annual event in Los Angeles, California, on June 3, 2017. The event was co-chaired by Rebecca Gayheart, who is Eric Dane’s wife. The couple posed for a photo with their two daughters, Billie and Georgia. Also in the photo was Van Der Beek and his loving wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek.
Remembering Eric Dane
GettyDane died after his battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He had announced his diagnosis 10 months earlier, in April 2025. He was 53. His family released a heartbreaking statement at the time of his passing.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement reads, People reports. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
Remembering James Van Der Beek
The announcement of Van Der Beek’s death was made on February 11. He had battled cancer for three years and was 48.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” the statement from his family, which was shared on Instagram, reads. “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.”
