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Ribeiro's Heartfelt Tribute to Van Der Beek
13 Feb
Summary
- James Van Der Beek died at 48 after battling colorectal cancer.
- Friend Alfonso Ribeiro shared memories of their bond.
- A GoFundMe supports Van Der Beek's wife and six children.
Actor James Van Der Beek died on February 11 at the age of 48 following a battle with colorectal cancer. Diagnosed in 2023 and publicly announced in 2024, his passing prompted widespread sorrow.
His friend and Dancing with the Stars co-host, Alfonso Ribeiro, has spoken about their close friendship, detailing their last meeting and the emotional "roller coaster" of Van Der Beek's health.
Ribeiro, who is also godfather to one of Van Der Beek's six children, has expressed his ongoing support for the family through heartfelt social media tributes.
Following Van Der Beek's death, a GoFundMe was launched for his wife, Kimberly, and their children. The page revealed the family's struggles with the costs of medical care and their efforts to maintain stability, including keeping their home and ensuring educational continuity.
The fundraising campaign has surpassed its $1.5 million goal, raising over $1.8 million from nearly 36,000 donations. Notable contributions came from Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw ($25,000) and Jon Chu ($10,000), alongside numerous other donors.
