The Hallmark Channel shared a heartfelt tribute for James Van Der Beek following his death on Wednesday, Feb. 11, as reported by TMZ.
The network posted a photo on their official Instagram of Van Der Beek, who starred in the 2009 Hallmark Christmas film “Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle.” The uplifting romance is an adaptation of a novel by Debbie Macomber, who has provided the Hallmark Channel with many holiday classics with her writing.
Hallmark Channel Honors James Van Der Beek
“We are saddened to hear that the brilliant and kind James Van Der Beek has passed away. Our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time,” the Hallmark Channel wrote.
Van Der Beek was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer, having revealed the news to the world in November 2024,” People reported. His cancer took his life at age 48, leaving behind his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six children.
After his breakout role as Dawson Leery in the hit ’90s drama “Dawson’s Creek” imprinted his name on the hearts of millions of fans, Van Der Beek landed many significant roles to follow — one being that of Seth Webster in “Debbie Macomber’s Mrs. Miracle.”
Van Der Beek’s role in the hit Hallmark holiday movie portrayed a grieving widower, who, while making ends meet for his two sons, was helped by a magical nanny named Mrs. Emily Merkle, who drastically turned the family’s life around for the better. In which, Van Der Beek was joined by actors Doris Roberts and Erin Karpluk.
Fans who grew to love Van Der Beek’s work in film paid their respects in the comments of the Hallmark Channel’s post for the late actor, with many expressing their sadness over the suffering he endured throughout his cancer.
“This was such sad news. A few months ago it seemed he was doing better and I was hoping he’d beat it. The tributes from those close to him have been so beautiful and emotional. He seemed like a wonderful person to know,” wrote one fan.
“😢 this is truly heart-breaking,” said another.
“Thank you, you’ll be missed 😢,” added a third.
James Van Der Beek Remained Hopeful Amid His Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis
Despite his health decline, Van Der Beek once said after his diagnosis that having cancer was one of the best things that ever happened to him. In an interview with “TODAY” co-host Craig Melvin, the late actor opened up about what made him feel like there was a light at the end of the tunnel.
“One of the things I was really lucky about was when I heard the news, I was like, ‘This is gonna be the best thing that’s ever happened to me,’” he shared in the December 2025 interview. “I had this little voice in my head that said, ‘You’re gonna make changes in your life that you would never, ever make if you didn’t have this extreme of a diagnosis, and it’s gonna add healthy, happy years to your life.’”
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, announced his passing in an Instagram post on the day he died, writing that the revered actor, friend, father and husband passed away “peacefully” in the morning.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” Kimberly wrote. “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.”
