James Van Der Beek pays final tribute to daughter and father in Instagram post

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: James Van Der Beek, beloved for his role as Dawson Leery in Dawson’s Creek, shared an emotional final photo on Instagram, paying tribute to his 12-year-old daughter, Annabel, and his father on their shared birthday. The post, published on Jan. 25, became a defining moment in the actor’s final chapter, resonating with fans as they mourn his passing at age 48.

Van Der Beek, who had been candid about his health struggles in recent years, used the post to celebrate the warmth, creativity, and loving hearts of both his daughter and father, highlighting the qualities he admired most in them.

Daughter and father share the same birthday

In the Instagram post, Van Der Beek honored Annabel and his father, James, noting the bond they share despite generational differences. He shared a touching photo of himself embracing Annabel, alongside another showing his father with his granddaughter. 25, Van Der Beek paid tribute to both Annabel, 12, and his father, James, on their joint birthdays.

“I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart,” he wrote of the two. “I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality.”

Van Der Beek expresses gratitude

He reflected on how their personalities “make every room you’re in more fun” and spoke of the subtle but powerful ways they influence those around them.

“Different senses of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this,” he wrote. Van Der Beek added that he was “insanely grateful” to have them in his life, closing with: “The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart.”

Van Der Beek's wife shares loving message

Van Der Beek shared six children with his wife, Kimberly: Olivia, 14; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 8; Gwendolyn, 6; and Jeremiah, 3. Kimberly wrote on Wednesday that he “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace."

Van Der Beek shared six children with his wife, Kimberly: Olivia, 14; Joshua, 13; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 8; Gwendolyn, 6; and Jeremiah, 3. Kimberly wrote on Wednesday that he “met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”

In September 2025, Van Der Beek had to drop out of the long-awaited Dawson’s Creek reunion due to illness, noting he was battling two stomach viruses. “Despite every effort… I won’t get to be there,” he said at the time. “I won’t get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most.”