The Gist
James Van Der Beek appeared alongside Melissa Joan Hart on Clarissa Explains It All.
On Wednesday, Hart posted a tribute to the late actor, who died of cancer at age 48.
Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, shared the devastating news of his passing earlier today.
James Van Der Beek’s onetime co-star Melissa Joan Hart is remembering the late actor after his death from cancer at the age of 48. Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, first shared the devastating news via social media on Wednesday,
Hart uploaded her own tribute to James on Instagram, posting two photos from their time on Clarissa Explains It All. James guest-starred as Hart’s love interest in the ’90s Nickelodeon sitcom, in which she played the title role.
Melissa Joan Hart in 2025.
Getty Images
“I’m heartbroken to hear that @vanderjames has passed away!” Hart’s caption began. “He was truly a nice guy, a great father, wonderful actor and will always be my first on-screen kiss when he guest-starred on #ClarissaExplainsItAll.”
“Gone way too soon but it seems like he put up one hell of a fight,” she continued. “We ran into each other at the singing game show #WeAreFamily about two years ago when he sang a song with his daughter, encouraging her like a good dad does. My thoughts and prayers go out to his 6 kids, his wife and family!”
Earlier today, Kimberly announced her husband’s passing in an Instagram post.
James Van Der Beek in 2024.
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“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” she wrote. “There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The Dawson’s Creek star was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, but he didn’t publicly disclose his illness until 2024. James is survived by his wife and their six children, daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
James Van Der Beek and his family.
James Van Der Beek/Instagram
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