James Van Der Beek’s Colorful Life in 30+ Photos – Two Marriages, Six Kids and His Final Days

He once played a young man overwhelmed by emotion on screen, but in real life, James Van Der Beek faced trials far greater than any script could deliver. Behind the fame was a devoted father and husband quietly fighting for time, meaning, and the moments that mattered most.

Beloved late Hollywood Star James Van Der Beek was the face of a generation — a '90s teen icon who made millions swoon — but behind the fame was a man whose real-life story was even more emotional than any script.

From Hollywood red carpets to a serious illness, from two marriages to six children, Van Der Beek's journey was one of love, heartbreak, resilience, and grace. Scroll through 30+ powerful photos that tell the story of the man who met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.

The Boy from Connecticut Who Became a Teen Idol

Born March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, Van Der Beek would rise to global fame as Dawson Leery on "Dawson's Creek." The show turned him into one of the most recognizable faces of the late '90s.

With floppy hair and thoughtful eyes, he quickly became the sensitive leading man every teen drama needed.

He wasn't just a TV star… He was stepping into Hollywood's elite circles.

By 1999, he was everywhere...

His fame stretched across generations.

He pushed beyond teen TV, proving he had dramatic range.

Marriage #1 – Heather McComb

During his rise to fame, Van Der Beek found love with actress Heather McComb.

They got engaged in early 2003 and married over the Fourth of July weekend that year in Malibu in an outdoor ceremony attended by Michelle Williams, Busy Phillips, and Soleil Moon Frye, as confirmed by People.

However, by 2009, the marriage ended after six years. Reportedly, their breakup was "totally amicable," and they had remained good friends.

In a divorce settlement filed in 2010, Van Der Beek agreed to pay McComb $7,750 per month in spousal support until December 2012, meaning the actor had still been paying McComb spousal support into the beginning of his second marriage.

The documents revealed: His monthly income of $35,000, her monthly income of $1,750, and also stipulated that Van Der Beek kept their North Hollywood residence, and retained residuals from his acting work and rights to his screenplays. The couple had no children together.

Marriage #2: Van Der Beek's Great Love

Then came Kimberly Van Der Beek...

The couple married in 2010 and would go on to build a large, loving family, including six children. Together, they welcomed Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah Van Der Beek.

Family became his center of gravity.

The Miracle Baby

After suffering two late-term pregnancy losses, Van Der Beek and his beloved wife believed their family was complete… Then came their second son.

In October 2025, via an emotional Instagram birthday tribute, Van Der Beek wrote, "After 2 late-term losses, we thought we were done. Thank God you knew better." He described his son as having "An iron will combined with an innate sweetness. And ALL boy."

In one of the most vulnerable passages, he admitted:

"I'm sorry there have been spells where I couldn't be the father I would want to be for you… where I was too weak to pick you up, throw you around, or even put you to bed…"

But he ended with, "Watching you reveal yourself to us has been one of the greatest joys of my life." Those words would take on even deeper meaning later.

From Teen Star to Graduate and Commencement Speaker

In 2024, Van Der Beek received an honorary Bachelor of Arts degree from Drew University and served as the commencement speaker at the celebratory event.

In a heartwarming Instagram post showcasing the milestone, he reflected, "Guess who graduated today? Only took me two years of school and 27 years of working in my industry [...] Deeply humbled and grateful to have closed a loop I hadn't even realized needed closer [sic]. Life is crazy… and beautiful."

It was a full-circle moment, one he shared proudly with his kids and wife.

The Diagnosis That Changed Everything

That same year (2024), Van Der Beek revealed he had been diagnosed with colorectal cancer. "I have colorectal cancer. I've been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," he told People.

He added, "There's reason for optimism, and I'm feeling good." Despite the diagnosis, he continued to work, appearing on "Walker" and preparing for "Sidelined: The QB and Me."

But more importantly, he continued to prioritize family.

The People report also noted that he and his wife traveled to Egypt with their six children, an experience he described as "magical" and one he felt he would still be processing for the rest of his life.

Later that December, he appeared on "The Real Full Monty," stripping down alongside other celebrities to raise awareness for prostate, testicular, and colorectal cancer testing and research. His diagnosis became a platform, a way to advocate for early screening and awareness.

His Final Days

Those who loved him and had the opportunity to spend time with him before his demise reflected with warmth and gratitude for being a part of his life and said he faced the end with peace.

The Heartbreaking Announcement

On February 11, 2026, a gut-wrenching statement shared via his official Instagram revealed, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace."

The message continued, "There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity, and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now [sic] we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

Way More than a Teen Idol

He will always be Dawson Leery to many… But to six children, he was Dad; to his beloved wife, he was a husband, and to those who followed his final chapter, he was something even more powerful: a man who chose love, faith, and presence in the face of everything.

Van Der Beek's life was colorful, complicated, emotional, and brave. And in the end, it was profoundly human.

At this time, we wish to extend our most heartfelt condolences to Van Der Beek's wife, their children, their entire family, loved ones, friends, Van Der Beek's fans, and all who knew and loved him, as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their time of grief. RIP, dear Van Der Beek.