James Van Der Beek wishes joy and laughter to his daughter, 11, in emotional post on her birthday

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: James Van Der Beek celebrated the 11th birthday of his daughter Annabel Leah with a heartfelt Instagram post on Saturday, January 25.

James praised Annabel, one of the six children he shares with his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, for her kind and empathetic nature in the emotional message.

James Van Der Beek says Annabel Leah is the 'softest, most empathetic heart I know'

The 'Dawson’s Creek' alum, 47, included several pictures of Annabel Leah throughout the years.

In the accompanying caption, James Van Der Beek reflected on his daughter’s tender spirit and the challenges they’ve faced together.

“11 years old today. There are sweet souls… and then there’s you,” wrote James, adding “The softest, most empathetic heart I know.”

He expressed how her sensitivity has made it a challenging year for her, especially due to her connection with him as he has faced difficult times, People reported. 

“It’s been a really tough year to be so sensitive, and so connected to me, who’s not been well in so many moments - which I know you know without my even having to be in the room,” James wrote in the post.

James Van Der Beek wishes 'joy and laughter' for Annabel Leah 

James Van Der Beek appeared to reference his battle with colorectal cancer, which he publicly disclosed in November 2024.

In an Instagram post in November, James wrote, "I’ve been dealing with this privately until now, getting treatment and dialing in my overall health with greater focus than ever before."

"I’m in a good place and feeling strong. It’s been quite the initiation, and I’ll tell you more when I’m ready," he added.

In his birthday message, James shared hopes for his daughter’s future.

“But as I emerge from this healing portal, I wish for you to experience the joy and laughter you so richly deserve to feel as deeply as the concern and worry," James wrote in the post.

James described Annabel Leah as a source of joy and peace since the moment she was born in 2014.

He said, “From the moment she was born in 2014, Annabel has had the ability to bring joy and peace to people around her, just by existing."

Kimberly Van Der Beek calls daughter Annabel Leah 'our heaven'

James Van Der Beek hoped that Annabel Leah would continue to trust her father and know that he recognizes and loves her endlessly.

“May you continue to trust that and always know that your dad sees you, and recognizes you, and loves everything about you. And always will,” James added in the post.

While expressing his deep love for Annabel. He concluded the post with, “Thank you for coming Earthside, kiddo. Life is a much more joyful endeavor with you around. Always in your corner… ❤️ Dad.”

Kimberly Van Der Beek posted about her sentiments in the comments, writing, “🥹 She’s our heaven.”

James and Kimberly share six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah, who is their youngest at three years old.