James Van Der Beek Said Fatherhood Changed 'Everything' for Him, Being a Dad of 6 'Made Me Happiest'

Kayla GrantThu, February 12, 2026 at 1:00 AM UTC

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James Van Der Beek with his family

James Van Der Beek/Instagram

James Van Der Beek was the ultimate proud dad

The Dawson's Creek star shared how much being a dad of 6 changed him during a conversation with Good Morning America back in 2023

The late actor is a father to daughters Gwen, 7, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Olivia, 15, and sons Jeremiah, 4, and Joshua, 13

James Van Der Beek was certainly proud to be a dad.

The Dawson's Creek alum, who died at 48 on Wednesday, Feb. 11 after his journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer, often spoke about his love for his six children — daughters Gwendolyn, 7, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, and Olivia, 15, and sons Jeremiah, 4, and Joshua, 13 — who he shared with wife Kimberly Van Der Beek.

Back in May 2023, the doting dad of six spoke with Good Morning America about how becoming a dad changed "everything" for him.

"God it changes everything really," he said at the time. "You just go for that shift ... from putting yourself first to other people — these little tiny humans that you love so much — being your first priority. And then you know what you genuinely want is to take care of [them], to make them feel safe, [and] keep them safe to connect with them and feel that joy."

"Your life becomes shared, and your joys become shared joys in a really beautiful way that expands your level of circuitry out to other people instead of just keeping it all for your own gratification," he added. "And the lessons, they keep on coming. It's the craziest, craziest thing I've ever done, and it's the thing that's made me happiest."

James Van Der Beek and his kids

Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram

On Wednesday, Feb. 11, Kimberly announced the news of her husband's death in an Instagram post, saying he had "passed peacefully this morning." "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," the mom of six wrote.

She continued asking for "peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend," as she promised that there is "much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time."

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Kimberly also shared a link to a GoFundMe supporting her family on her Instagram Stories on Wednesday. The GoFundMe, started by a friend of the family, notes that Kimberly "and the children are facing an uncertain future."

"The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds," the GoFundMe read. "They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time. The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead."

Any donations will cover "essential living expenses, pay bills, and support the children’s education. Every donation, no matter the size, will help Kimberly and her family find hope and security as they rebuild their lives."

Kimberly and James Van Der Beek

Michael Kovac/Getty

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Van Der Beek was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023 and shared that diagnosis with PEOPLE in November 2024. "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 said at the time. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good."

In an interview with Robin Roberts on Good Morning America shortly after he shared the news, Van Der Beek was emotional as he reflected on how vital his wife's support was.

“She’s been amazing. She’s really taught me what unconditional love is," he said. “I’m someone who has always in the past tried to do everything for everybody and never asked for help myself, and this has put me in a position of having to ask for help but having to receive help, and the beautiful blessing of that has been seeing how many people in my life have shown up.”

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”