In a poignant display of love and remembrance, Kimberly Van Der Beek marked what would have been her 16th wedding anniversary with her late husband, actor James Van Der Beek. The couple, who met in Tel Aviv in 2009 and tied the knot the following year at the Kabbalah Centre, shared a bond that transcended their time together.
On August 2, Kimberly took to Instagram to share a series of photos with her late husband, captioning the post with a heartfelt message. “16 years ago I was the luckiest woman in the world to marry @vanderjames,” she wrote, reflecting on the enduring beauty of their marriage and the incredible family they built together.
The Enduring Love of James and Kimberly Van Der Beek
James Van Der Beek, best known for his role as Dawson Leery in the cult series Dawson’s Creek became a global star in the late 1990s. After the show concluded in 2003, he continued to pursue his acting career while embracing his roles as a husband and father. His diagnosis with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2026 marked a turning point in his life, leading him to prioritize time with his family and share his journey with fans.
Despite his illness, James remained active in his career, appearing in series like Walker and Elle which premiered in July. Just two days before his passing on February 11, he and Kimberly renewed their vows in an intimate ceremony filled with flowers and candles. Kimberly described the moment as “simple and beautiful and moving,” highlighting the depth of their connection.
A Family United in Love and Grief
The couple’s love story extended beyond themselves, encompassing their six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah. In her anniversary post, Kimberly emphasized how their marriage continued to unfold through their children, who remain a testament to their enduring love. The final photo in her post featured James embracing their six children, a poignant reminder of the family they cherished.
Kimberly’s tribute is part of a series of heartfelt posts she has shared since losing her husband. In June, she summed up her thoughts with a powerful message: “Baby, love does not die. Death does not part.” This sentiment echoes the profound impact James had on her life and the unwavering love that continues to guide their family.
Celebrating a Legacy
In, the Dawson’s Creek cast organized a one-night-only special reading of the show’s pilot at the Richard Rodgers Theatre, home to the Broadway production of Hamilton. Although James was unable to attend due to health challenges, he sent a heartfelt message to the cast, crew, and fans, expressing his gratitude for their support. Kimberly attended the event with their children, further honoring James’ legacy.
James Van Der Beek’s journey with colorectal cancer was marked by courage, faith, and grace. His diagnosis in led him to reflect on the importance of self-love and the value of slowing down. In a December interview with Us Weekly, he shared how his battle with cancer taught him valuable life lessons, emphasizing the significance of self-care and the enduring power of love.
As Kimberly continues to navigate life without her husband, she finds solace in the memories they created and the love that continues to guide their family. Her heartfelt tributes serve as a reminder of the enduring power of love and the legacy that James Van Der Beek left behind.
