The grief is still raw for Kimberly Van Der Beek. Just a few days after saying goodbye to her beloved husband, James Van Der Beek, she is facing another heartbreaking loss.
Eight days after James’ passing, “Grey’s Anatomy” star Eric Dane died on Thursday, February 19, at age 53. On Saturday, February 21, Kimberly took to Instagram. She shared a quiet, deeply personal tribute to Dane, honoring not just the actor but the years of friendship and family memories they shared.
Kimberly Van Der Beek Shares Emotional Tribute to Eric Dane
Kimberly shared a throwback photo on her Instagram Story from the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles in June 2017.
In the image, she and James pose alongside Dane, Rebecca Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia, smiling on the red carpet during a night that once felt carefree.
Across the photo, she wrote: “RIP @realericdane,” Kimberly, 43, wrote in text over the photo, adding, “We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together.”
The words were simple but deeply personal. They spoke of shared holidays, familiar laughter, and the kind of friendship built over years of showing up for one another through life’s milestones.
Dane’s wife responded to Kimberly’s sweet and nostalgic tribute by resharing the photo and writing: “So much love for you ❤️🩹”
James Van Der Beek’s Death Shook the Family Days Earlier
Kimberly’s tribute to Dane came just days after she faced the unimaginable loss of her own husband. James, best known for “Dawson’s Creek,” died on February 11 at age 48 following a two and a half year battle with colorectal cancer.
Sharing the news at the time, Kimberly wrote, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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.”
James and Kimberly had been married since August 2010. Shortly before his death, they renewed their vows, a quiet reaffirmation of their bond. Together, they built a life centered on their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
Eric Dane’s Passing Comes After ALS Battle
GettyThe “Grey’s Anatomy” actor had publicly announced his ALS diagnosis less than a year earlier.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement to People at the time.
“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.”
HBOThe statement continued: “Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
A Friendship That Spanned Years and Family Milestones
The 2017 photograph Kimberly shared captured just one moment in a friendship that stretched back years. The two families were also photographed together at the same Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2014, a reflection of how often their paths crossed and how naturally their lives intertwined.
GettyThe annual Los Angeles event supports Chrysalis, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals overcome employment barriers.
GettyGayheart has long been an advocate for the organization, returning year after year in support of its mission.
Dane and Gayheart separated in 2018 after 13 years of marriage. When his health declined, she withdrew her divorce filing and remained by his side.
Speaking on the “Broad Ideas” podcast in November, Gayheart explained the example she wanted to set for their daughters.
“We tell them, ‘We show up for people no matter what. He is our family. He is your father,” she said. “We will get through it the best we can.”
As tributes continue to surface, Kimberly’s message feels especially personal. It was not lengthy or formal. It was a memory of Christmas parties, shared laughter, and two men who once stood side by side while their families grew up together.
