Home / Arts and Entertainment / Clarissa's First Kiss Dies at 48
Clarissa's First Kiss Dies at 48
14 Feb
Summary
- Actor James Van Der Beek passed away at age 48.
- He shared his first on-screen kiss with Melissa Joan Hart.
- Van Der Beek battled stage 3 colorectal cancer.
Actor James Van Der Beek passed away on Wednesday, February 11, at the age of 48. His wife, Kimberly, announced his peaceful death, stating he faced his final days with courage and grace. Van Der Beek had been privately battling stage 3 colorectal cancer, a diagnosis he publicly shared in November 2024 with the goal of raising awareness.
Melissa Joan Hart, who starred in the '90s show 'Clarissa Explains It All,' shared a heartfelt tribute. She recalled Van Der Beek, who made his first TV appearance on her show, as her first on-screen kiss. They had recently reconnected, and Hart witnessed his devotion as a father to his six children.
Van Der Beek's role on 'Clarissa Explains It All' was as Paulie, a teen drummer. The episode, written by Suzanne Collins, featured his character sharing a kiss with Clarissa. He was 16 at the time of filming.
