Kimberly Van Der Beek was husband James Van Der Beek’s biggest supporter through his cancer battle.
Kimberly, who married James in 2010, was there each step of the way during his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer and until his death on February 11, 2026.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” a message from Kimberly and James’ Instagram accounts read at the time, confirming the actor’s death. “He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. 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.”
In December 2024, James gushed to Good Morning America about Kimberly’s support, saying through tears, “She’s been amazing.”
Kimberly Van Der Beek is there for husband James Van Der Beek following his cancer diagnosis. “I love you baby 🤍,” Kimberly, 42, wrote in the comments section of the actor’s lengthy Instagram message regarding his health, which he shared Sunday, November 3. James, 47, uploaded a slideshow of pensive photos set to the song […]
Keep scrolling to see everything Kimberly has said about James’ cancer battle:
February 2026
Kimberly announced the actor’s death in a joint statement via her and James’ Instagram accounts.
“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” the message read.
February 2026
Following his death, Kimberly shared a link to a GoFundMe that was created by their friends to support their family financially in the wake of their loss.
“My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time,” she captioned a post. “With gratitude and a broken heart.”
When fans clicked the link, they were taken to the site with a description that read, “James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him. After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.”
The statement continued, noting that Kimberly and their six children — Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Elilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah — “are facing an uncertain future.”
“The costs of James’ medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” the statement read. “They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time.”
March 2025
“Happy Birthday @vanderjames. May our hearts continue to dance together for many, many many many more birthdays,” Kimberly captioned a number of photos via Instagram. “You are a treasure. I feel like the luckiest lady in the world to be married to you. May this year bring you so much laughter, dancing, deepening connection with God, exceptional health and exquisite beauty all around — plus of course — family snuggles, sunrises, sunsets, play and restorative rest,” she continued.
James Van Der Beek’s widow, Kimberly Van Der Beek, is sharing a fundraiser for her family after her husband’s death at age 48. “James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him,” the GoFundMe page read. “After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James […]
November 2025
After James thanked fans for their support and raising money for his cancer treatments, Kimberly responded in the comments, “You’re a wizard. Bouncing back baby!! 😍😍😍.”
