The Dancing With the Stars household—and actually, your complete tv world—is mourning the lack of James Van Der Beek.
His spouse Kimberlyshared an announcement on Instagram, writing, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek handed peacefully this morning. He met his last days with braveness, religion, and beauty. There may be a lot to share relating to his needs, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. These days will come. For now, we ask for peaceable privateness as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and good friend.”
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Among the many first to reply was his former DWTS accomplice, Emma Slater.
Slater and Van Der Beek competed collectively on season 28 of Dancing With the Stars, finally ending in fifth place. The pair fashioned an in depth bond throughout their time on the present, with Van Der Beek incessantly talking about how significant the expertise was for him and his household.
Reacting within the feedback, Slater wrote, “I’m so devastated. He’s and can at all times be household to me ❤️ love you a lot, James. The person that you’re, you will be happy with. So grateful that I obtained to be there to say goodbye to you.”
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Different Dancing With the Stars execs additionally shared tributes.
Jenna Johnson commented, “An unbelievable father, husband, artist, and a lot extra. Sending your loved ones all of the love and luxury ♥️.”
Sasha Farber added, “An unbelievable man liked by each particular person he crossed paths with, sending the household love.”
The Dawson’s Creek star had been open in recent times about his stage 3 colorectal most cancers analysis, which he first publicly revealed in November 2024 after privately navigating the sickness for practically a yr.
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In an unique interview with Parade, the actor spoke candidly about how the analysis reshaped his priorities and deepened his gratitude for his household.
“I joked that I’m the one man who obtained most cancers and mentioned, ‘You recognize what I’ve realized is I must work extra,’” he mentioned, explaining how his ardour for storytelling was reignited throughout remedy.
He additionally mirrored on his marriage to Kimberly, calling their relationship a supply of energy. “I’m extra in love than ever, and extra in awe of her than ever,” Van Der Beek shared. “It’s actually been an absolute reward.”
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The actor usually emphasised that his spouse and their six youngsters have been “the middle” of his life. He spoke about resilience, neighborhood and the significance of asking for assist throughout probably the most tough chapters of his well being journey.
Even whereas present process remedy, Van Der Beek continued engaged on tasks and elevating consciousness about colorectal most cancers screening, urging others to not await signs earlier than talking with their medical doctors.
Now, as tributes proceed to pour in from mates, colleagues and followers, it’s clear the affect he made stretched far past the ballroom ground.
Slater’s phrases seize the sensation shared by many who knew him: he wasn’t only a co-star. He was household.
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