Kimberly Van Der Beek honors Eric Dane with heartfelt tribute and message to Rebecca Gayheart

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Kimberly Van Der Beek paid tribute to late actor Eric Dane with a heartfelt throwback and a personal message to Rebecca Gayheart.

On February 21, Kimberly shared an Instagram Stories post showing herself and husband James Van Der Beek alongside Dane, Gayheart, and their daughters, Billie and Georgia. The emotional post arrived just days after Dane’s death at 53.

Kimberly Van Der Beek shares touching Instagram tribute

The throwback captured the two families smiling together at a past event, which Kimberly described as a cherished memory. Over the photo, she wrote: “RIP @realericdane” and added a message for Gayheart: “We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together.”

The post stood out among the many tributes for Dane, emphasizing the close bond between the families.

Dane passed away on February 19, ten months after publicly revealing his diagnosis with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Throwback photo highlights charity gala memories

The image was taken at the 16th Annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles on June 3, 2017. The gala raises funds for Chrysalis, a nonprofit supporting people seeking employment and stability. Gayheart has long been an advocate for the organization.

The families had also been photographed together at the event in 2014, showing years of friendship and shared support for charitable causes.

Van Der Beek family navigates emotional loss

Kimberly’s tribute comes amid a particularly emotional time. Her husband James Van Der Beek passed away on February 11 at 48, following a two-and-a-half-year battle with colorectal cancer—just eight days before Dane’s passing.

Grey’s Anatomy co-stars honor Eric Dane

Former Grey’s Anatomy co-stars have also shared their memories. Patrick Dempsey expressed sadness over Dane’s passing on The Chris Evans Breakfast Show: “I feel really so sad for his children… he was really starting to lose his ability to speak.”

Dempsey recalled Dane’s humor and joy on set: “He was the funniest man—any time he was on set, he brought so much fun to it.”

Kate Walsh added an Instagram tribute: “I’m at a loss for words… thinking of his girls and Rebecca and holding them in my prayers. I loved his sensitivity and intelligence,” highlighting the close bonds formed during the series.