Actor's Final Words: Family Was Ultimate

James Van Der Beek, known for his role in Dawson's Creek, passed away at 48 following a battle with stage III colorectal cancer. In a published interview from November 2022, he shared profound reflections on his family, particularly his sixth child, Jeremiah, born in October 2021.

Van Der Beek described Jeremiah as a 'healing' rainbow baby, stating that his arrival made their family feel complete. He cherished his children—Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah—and considered fatherhood the 'ultimate' role, surpassing his identity as an actor or husband.

Reflecting on his health journey, Van Der Beek called the past year 'the hardest year of my life.' Facing his mortality significantly altered his self-perception, as physical limitations prevented him from fully embodying his roles as husband and father. He expressed immense gratitude for his wife's support and his children's ability to keep him present.

He also spoke of how his illness stripped away former definitions of himself, leading him to question his purpose. Despite these challenges, Van Der Beek concluded that he remained worthy of self-love. His reflections underscore the deep importance of family throughout his life and during his final year.