James Van Der Beek's inner circle is a tight-knit crew built on fond memories, laughter and years of shared experiences. At the core was Van Der Beek, surrounded by close friends who became like family, including Dancing With the Stars cohost Alfonso Ribeiro, Law & Order alum Mehcad Brooks, WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler and designer Erin Fetherston. The four were by the Dawson's Creek actor's side during his final days, cherishing every last moment they could spend together. (Van Der Beek died from colorectal cancer on February 11, 2026, 15 months after announcing his diagnosis. He was 48 and left behind a beautiful family including wife Kimberly and the couple's six kids: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn as well as sons Joshua and Jeremiah.) Not only did he impact those closest to him, but also people that he worked alongside while making his mark in Hollywood. Several celebrities shared their condolences, including his former costars Katie Holmes, Busy Philipps and more. Scroll down to learn more about his inner circle: Alfonso Ribeiro Is Godfather to James Van Der Beek's Daughter Gwendolyn James Van Der Beek and Alfonso Ribeiro seemingly struck up a bond in 2019 when Van Der Beek tried his luck on season 28 of Dancing With the Stars, which Ribeiro cohosts with Julianne Hough. The actor ultimately finished in fifth place. "He was my true friend brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer," the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star shared about their connection, revealing that he was asked to be the godfather of Van Der Beek's youngest daughter. Alfonso Ribeiro, James Van Der Beek. Courtesy of Alfonso Ribeiro /Instagram Mehcad Brooks and James Van Der Beek Were Longtime Friends Desperate Housewives alum Mechad Brooks praised James Van Der Beek for handling his health battle "like a king," revealing that his beloved friend was a true inspiration to him. Celebrities Who Donated Money to James Van Der Beek's Family After His Death Mehcad has been sharing a GoFundMe page set up to support Kimberly and the late star's family after she revealed they have been facing a mountain of debt due to medical bills. Brooks also showed love to Kimberly's Instagram post about Van Der Beek's death, revealing that being with his brood during that sacred time was the "greatest honor" of his life. Courtesy of Mehcad Brooks/Instagram Stacy Keibler and James Van Der Beek Reportedly Grew Close at the Height of His Fame Stacy Keibler is close to James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, having met around the time when he starred on Dawson's Creek, which spanned for six seasons from 1998 to 2003, according to multiple reports. Similar to Van Der Beek, she competed in DWTS and Keibler placed third during season 2. She was also by his side at his Texas ranch before he died. "When you know time is sacred, you don't waste a single breath. You don't rush. You don't scroll. You don't worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen," she wrote in her tribute, praising him for being an "incredible husband" to Kimberly and "an extraordinary dad." James Van Der Beek and Stacy Keibler Courtesy of Stacy Keibler/Instagram James Van Der Beek Was Known as 'Uncle James' to Erin Fetherston's Kids Erin Fetherston reflected on milestone moments shared with James Van Der Beek in her heartfelt tribute shared on February 12, 2026, revealing that James and his wife, Kimberly, were the "very first visitors" when she and her husband, Gabe Saporta, welcomed their children. Inside the 'Dawson's Creek' Cast's Enduring Friendships - And Upcoming Reunion "Thank you for your friendship. For always showing up. For being the one who would go the extra mile. When our dog died in the middle of the night, you were the one who came over with a shovel," she wrote, sweetly adding, "What an honor it was to have a seat at your table and to call you a best friend." Prior to James' death, Fetherston also raved over her friendship with Kimberly, writing in a message, "You have been such a bright light in my life! The sister I always dreamt of having!"