Seven months after his passing, James Van Der Beek is sorely missed by his loved ones. As his wife, Kimberly, and their children mourn, many friends are reflecting on their time with the late actor.
James Van Der Beek grew incredibly close to “Dancing With the Stars” host Alfonso Ribeiro and his wife, Angela. In a heart wrenching new update, Angela Ribeiro discussed how much she misses her “soul brother.”
The Ribeiro Family Reflects on Life After Losing James Van Der Beek
“Dawson’s Creek” star James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11, 2026 after a brave battle with colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, their six children, and so many friends and family members.
The Ribeiro family was especially close with the Van Der Beeks and still regularly speak about their late friend’s memory.
“This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already,” Alfonso shared on Instagram after James Van Der Beek passed away, revealing the two men sharing one last embrace.
Recently, Angela Ribeiro expressed how much she misses her friend and how she’s navigating grief.
“Missing my soul brother a little extra lately… I think I’m entering a different chapter of grief,” Angela penned an emotional message on her Instagram stories.
“One where I’m actually feeling him around me a little less, and realizing how much I miss that feeling too,” she continued. “I still listen to his voice notes and messages all the time, but somehow lately they’ve been hitting differently. Words I’ve heard over and over are landing in new ways. His voice, his humor, his heart… Little pieces of my soul brother that I’m so grateful I still get to have. And @vanderkimberly, missing you extra too.”
Ribeiro attached a photo of herself and the late actor in winter wear. They’re outside at night, with a sleeping dog at their feet. Despite the cold, the friends are just content to spend time together.
‘Dancing With the Stars’ Was Incredibly Important to the Late Actor
James Van Der Beek joined the cast of “Dancing With the Stars” season 28. He partnered with Emma Slater, who he built an incredible friendship with.
Emma and James finished in fifth place during the semifinals. Many DWTS fans felt heartbroken by the decision, determined to see the pair compete in the finale.
Though a Mirrorball trophy wasn’t in their future, James Van Der Beek cultivated many life-long friendships during his run. He and his wife Kimberly even publicly announced they were pregnant with their 6th child on the show.
“Hearing the heartbeat is something you never take for granted,” Van Der Beek shared during the emotional episode.
Though the actor has left this world, his friends and family will honor his memory forever.
Alfonso Ribeiro returns to “Dancing With the Stars” season 35 as the co-host when the premiere kicks off at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 on ABC.
