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Actor's Final Message: A Friend's Tribute
14 Feb
Summary
- Swinton sent a final message to Van Der Beek weeks before his passing.
- He offered support to Van Der Beek's family during his illness.
- Swinton cherished the brotherhood formed during 'Varsity Blues' filming.
Kirk Swinton, who starred alongside the late James Van Der Beek in the 1999 film "Varsity Blues," shared poignant details about his final communication with his friend. Swinton reached out to Van Der Beek personally on Instagram approximately three to four weeks before his passing, expressing his concern given Van Der Beek's health battle.
Swinton's message conveyed understanding if he didn't receive a response, offering assistance to Van Der Beek's family with sports-related matters. He expressed a profound sense of loss and brotherhood, particularly recalling similar feelings when fellow "Varsity Blues" castmates Ron Lester and Paul Walker passed away. Swinton stepped away from acting years prior to pursue a career as a sports coach.
He also recounted cherished behind-the-scenes moments from "Varsity Blues," including a lighthearted instance where the cast sang the "Dawson Creek" theme song to Van Der Beek. A deleted scene featuring Paul Walker, who portrayed Lance Harbor, was also mentioned. Swinton hopes James Van Der Beek will be remembered not just for his talent but as a dedicated father and a genuinely kind person, stating, "There needs to be more James Van Der Beek in the world."
