James Van Der Beek's 2023 video about grief has gone viral following his heartbreaking death from cancer aged 48.
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On Wednesday, it was confirmed that the beloved Dawson's Creek star and father-of-six had passed away in a hospice following a two-year long battle with colon cancer.
In the wake of the news of the Nineties heartthrob's death, a video he filmed in 2023 to mark his mother's death went viral, with grieving fans sharing the clip, in which he advises followers and friends on how to navigate grief.
On 13 July 2020, James announced that his mother Melinda, a gymnastics teacher to whom he accredited his acting career, and on her third anniversary he shared his video in which he urged those grieving to 'feel their emotions'.
In the poignant clip, he said: 'Today is my mother's death anniversary, it's year three and I'm at the age now where this is happening to a lot of friends of mine so I just wanted to take today to share the advice that I give to them when I reach out...
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James Van Der Beek's 2023 video about grief has gone viral following his heartbreaking death from cancer aged 48 (pictured in the video)
The star spent his final days in a hospice
On 13 July 2020, James announced that his mother Melinda, a gymnastics teacher to whom he accredited his acting career, and on her third anniversary he shared his video in which he urged those grieving to 'feel their emotions' (James pictured with Melinda)
'First of all be prepared for this process to make zero sense. It is an emotional rollercoaster. It happens at its own pace, at its own timing and just don't judge the emotions that come up...
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'Of course there will be sadness, of course there will be pain. There's nothing you can do to bypass that but sometimes there might be anger, sometimes there might be regret, sometimes there might be relief, there might be...
'Just don't say to yourself; "God I shouldn't feel this or why am I feeling that?" Just allow it to come up layer by layer as it reveals itself. There will be a lot of well intentioned people who will tell you; "I know exactly what you're going through"...
'They kind of don't. Everybody's relationship with their parent is unique and complicated and everybody's journey through the loss of a parent is unique and complicated...
'What I say to people is; "I wish you the most complete grieving process possible, it will happen on its own timetable, not the timetable you want, not the timetable that people who care about you want it to happen on...
'The rest of the world will get going and then the weirdest, stupidest thing will set you off and you'll find yourself feeling emotions just allow, allow, allow and my deepest condolences.'
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The post was met with an onslaught of comments from fans, with a slew of followers tracking down the clip and writing: 'So wise. Thank you for your advice. I went back to your page and watched your videos and this one was so perfect...
James pictured in Dawson's Creek with his co-stars Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams and Joshua Jackson
To mark his mother's death, he shared a lengthy video helping fans with grief
'Our hearts ache for your family’s loss. You were a wonderful husband and father. We all send our love, support and prayers. May your loved ones be surrounded by love and comfort during this very difficult time...
'Rest easy James. We love you and we will miss you... His mom was prob so happy to see him. I cant wait til I go and see my wife again...
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'She too passed from cancer at age of 43 ( 2025). Atleast we dont have to live forever on Earth and we get to be together on the otherside. Godbless his soul and his Moms... We love you, I love you forever man. You are with your mom now'.
On Wednesday, James' loved ones confirmed his passing in an emotional Instagram post reading: 'Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace...
James leaves behind his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, and their six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, Gwendolyn, seven, and Jeremiah, four
'There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.'
He is survived by his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.
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The actor and his wife share daughters Olivia, 15, Annabel, 12, Emilia, nine, and Gwendolyn, seven, as well as sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, four.
Jennifer Garner, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Hale, Christie Brinkley and Rumer Willis responded to the family's statement with the like button.
A GoFundMe page was launched on Wednesday to help support Van Der Beek's family with $500,000 as a starting ask.
Kimberly wrote on her Insta Stories: 'My friends created this link to support me and our children during this time. With gratitude and a broken heart.'