James Van Der Beek’s Wife: What to Know About Kimberly Van Der Beek

Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek believes behind an incredible legacy. The 48-year-old actor died in February 2026 after battling colorectal cancer. His wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, announced the news to the public, noting how he faced his last days with “courage, faith, and grace.” So, who is James’ wife, Kimberly? Here’s what to know about her romance with the late TV icon.

Who is James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek?

James Van Der Beek, the actor whose portrayal of Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek made him a defining figure of 1990s television, died on Feb. 11, 2026, at age 48. The actor had stage 3 colorectal cancer. He had publicly shared this news to raise awareness about early detection and health advocacy. Over a nearly three-decade career, James also had notable roles in films like Varsity Blues and television series, including CSI: Cyber, Pose, and Don’t Trust the B**** in Apartment 23, while also embracing his cultural impact by playfully reflecting on his early fame.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was admired for his openness about his illness and his devotion to his wife Kimberly and their six children. According to People, James and Kimberly first met while on a trip to Israel in 2009. Just a year later, they tied the knot. The couple went on to have six children: Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, Joshua, and Jeremiah.

Professionally, Kimberly has balanced her roles as a mother and partner with creative and advocacy work. Early in her career, she worked as a business consultant. She has credits as an associate producer on documentary projects, such as Teenage Paparazzo. She also co-hosted the Bathroom Chronicles podcast from 2023 to 2024 alongside James and collaborated with him on lifestyle and wellness content.

Through her public platforms, Kimberly spoke openly about maternal health and pregnancy loss, drawing on her own experiences with miscarriages to help reduce stigma. According to People, she was part of the parent board of the Environmental Media Association and served as co-chair of Baby Buggy’s Los Angeles committee.

In January 2025, an Instagram post indicated that she began practicing energy medicine. “She’s now practicing energy medicine and holds the vision of a future where these ancient practices are seamlessly integrated into modern healthcare — trusting that our collective will move beyond its limited perception of human potential to unlock our boundless capacity for healing,” the post reads.

James Van Der Beek met his now-wife at a time when he felt ‘done being single’

In August 2020, James Van Der Beek reflected on his marriage to his wife, Kimberly, in a sweet 10-year-anniversary Instagram post.

“Ten years ago today, this woman made me the happiest I’d ever been,” James captioned the post, which features a photo of the happy couple. “A year prior to that, I’d been famous, been wealthy, been married, been divorced, been less-than-wealthy, been single … and I was in Israel, on a trip with an organized group, when it hit me: I was done being single. I wanted a real relationship. A soul mate. Someone with whom I could build a family.”

James wrote that while he was expressing his feelings to a friend, a voice interrupted him. It was Kimberly’s voice. A few days later, after initially connecting, Kimberly told James that she wasn’t looking for a romance.

“Six months later we were living together,” he continued. “Two weeks after that we were pregnant, and almost exactly one year to the date after she’d first interrupted me (on the spot where we’re standing in the last pic)… we were married.”

James noted that his marriage to Kimberly demands that he be “more present, more honest, more authentic, more open, more patient, more passionate, daring, capable, fun, and vulnerable.”

“Kimberly, you astound me,” the actor continued. “Your bravery, your tenderness, and your unwillingness to settle for anything less than what can and ought to be…. You’re the best human I know. I love you, and I look forward to earning your partnership for years to come.”

Kimberly Van Der Beek frequently posted about her loving marriage

Kimberly Van Der Beek often posted about how much she adored her husband. In 2023, she posted a photo of the two of them to Instagram while praising how much she loved their life together.

“Happy Anniversary baby @vanderjames,” she captioned the post. “We made it out of the house. Overnight. Just us. We needed it. Presence together without kids. Without animals. Just us. I’m so glad that it’s you I’m doing this life with. Through all of the craziness it may be at times. So fitting for crazy us. My heart is happy. I love you. Night made possible by big kind hearts that allow us to leave the house with trust.”