Celebrity tributes have poured in following the death of actor James Van Der Beek on February 11, 2026. But it’s not just Hollywood stars honoring Van Der Beek’s legacy; many HGTV stars have also expressed their grief over his death at 48.
Jenny Marrs Says James Van Der Beek’s Death is an ‘Immense Loss’
Van Der Beek first skyrocketed to fame in the late 90s on the teen drama “Dawson’s Creek.” He was diagnosed with stage three colorectal cancer in 2023 and went public with his diagnosis in November 2024.
When his family announced his death via a social media post on February 11, more than 136,000 fans and celebs left notes of sympathy and sadness, including multiple HGTV stars.
Nearly 600 people liked a comment from “Fixer to Fabulous” star Jenny Marrs, who wrote, “So sad to see this news. He was a bright light here on IG and in the world. I will be praying for your family as you mourn this immense loss.”
“100 Day Dream Home” star Mika Kleinschmidt wrote, “😢What a loss…. Loved his perspective even after his news of cancer he felt blessed. May the lord shine on his beautiful children and wife as he will be greatly missed ❤️”
Longtime HGTV star Bryan Baeumler commented, “Rest in Peace James 😢”
HGTV’s Erin Napier Ran Into James Van Der Beek in 2025
Getty“Home Town” star Erin Napier also weighed in on Van Der Beek’s death via her Instagram Stories, sharing a sweet story about running into Van Der Beek in 2025.
“I spoke to him briefly in the revolving door of a hotel last year,” Napier wrote, in addition to sharing his family’s sad post. “Mae wanted to stay in it, spinning. I said, ‘come on baby, let’s let this man come through.’ Not knowing it was him.”
Napier continued, “He smiled big at Mae and said, ‘but MOM it’s so FUN!!!’ I looked up and recognized that face from my teenage life. He was kind to a toddler and her tired mama. Just so you know. Praying for his family tonight.”
Van Der Beek is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children — daughters Gwendolyn, 7, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Olivia, 15, and sons Jeremiah, 4, and Joshua, 13.
