James Van Der Beek Michael Loccisano/Getty Images Share on Facebook Share on X Google Preferred Share to Flipboard Show additional share options Share on LinkedIn Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share on Tumblr Share on Whats App Send an Email Print the Article Post a Comment James Van Der Beek's final Instagram post was a touching tribute to his daughter and father. In a post dated Jan. 23 (below), the 48-year-old actor is seen embracing his 12-year-old, Annabel. The charismatic Dawson's Creek star lost his battle with colorectal cancer on Wednesday. Van Der Beek wrote in his final post, "My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared - they seemed so different to me. But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart. I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most. I see the same out-of-the-box Aquarian creativity and originality. And you both make every room you're in more fun. Different senes of humor, but you both have a way of alchemizing the vibe around you in such a subtle way one can almost miss how powerfully you do this." Related Stories Lifestyle James Van Der Beek Raises $47K for His Cancer Fight With 'Dawson's Creek' Memorabilia Auction Lifestyle James Van Der Beek Auctioning Off 'Dawson's Creek' Items to Fund His Cancer Fight "In this crazy world, it's a wonder to me that you've managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good," he added. "You are marvels... and I'm so insanely grateful to have you in my life. The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart." View this post on Instagram The father of six children, Van Der Beek announced in November 2024 that he had "been privately dealing with this diagnosis" - it was Stage 3 - since August 2023. The next Instagram post was the actor's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announcing his passing. She wrote: "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. 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." Tributes for the actor have poured in from his former colleagues, such as Chad Michael Murray, who starred alongside Van Der Beek on One Tree Hill and wrote: "Sending love and light to your beautiful family. James was a giant. We're so so so sorry for what you're going through. His words, art and humanity inspired all of us - he inspired us to be better in all ways. God bless you guys." (See photos of his most memorable roles.) THR Newsletters Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day Subscribe Sign Up rodeo drive Hermès Revealed as Buyer of $400M Beverly Hills Property on Rodeo Drive UCLA Bijou Phillips Hospitalized in Los Angeles Amid Desperate Plea for New Kidney Rambling Reporter Ghislaine Maxwell or Diane Warren? The Internet Can't Decide TPUSA Even the Right Wasn't So Sure About the Turning Point USA Halftime Show THR, Esq Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to Meet to Try to Settle Bitter 'It Ends With Us' Legal War The Hills L.A. Mayoral Candidate Spencer Pratt's Memoir is a Book-Length Oppo File rodeo drive Hermès Revealed as Buyer of $400M Beverly Hills Property on Rodeo Drive UCLA Bijou Phillips Hospitalized in Los Angeles Amid Desperate Plea for New Kidney Rambling Reporter Ghislaine Maxwell or Diane Warren? The Internet Can't Decide TPUSA Even the Right Wasn't So Sure About the Turning Point USA Halftime Show THR, Esq Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to Meet to Try to Settle Bitter 'It Ends With Us' Legal War The Hills L.A. Mayoral Candidate Spencer Pratt's Memoir is a Book-Length Oppo File