Article continues below advertisementJames William Van Der Beek Sr. and Melinda WeberSource: @vanderjames/InstagramJames Van Der Beek's parents were supportive of his career.More than a cherished actor, James Van Der Beek was a devoted husband, father, son and brother.The Dawson's Creek alum was born on March 8, 1977, to parents James William Van Der Beek Sr. and Melinda Weber. His mother, who was a gymnastics teacher and a professional dancer, died in 2020."My mom crossed over last week.