James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly mourns Eric Dane with throwback photo: 'Will miss our guys'
James Van Der Beek's wife Kimberly mourns Eric Dane with throwback photo: 'Will miss our guys'
Wesley StenzelSat, February 21, 2026 at 11:08 PM UTC
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Rebecca Gayheart, Eric Dane, Kimberly Van Der Beek and James Van Der Beek with Billie and Georgia Dane at the 2017 Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in 2017
Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty
James Van Der Beek's wife is paying tribute to another recently departed TV star.
Kimberly Van Der Beek shared a photo of herself and the late Dawson's Creek actor alongside Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart's family on her Instagram Stories on Saturday. The post came two days after Dane died from ALS, and 10 days after James Van Der Beek died following his colorectal cancer diagnosis.
"RIP @realericdane," Kimberly wrote in her post, as she sent warm wishes to Dane's wife and caretaker. "We love you @rebeccagayheartdane."
She continued, "Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together."
James Van Der Beek, Kimberly Van Der Beek, Rebecca Gayheart, and Eric Dane arrive at the 13th annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball on June 7, 2014, in Los Angeles
Amanda Edwards/WireImage
Dane and James Van Der Beek never shared the screen together. Though Gayheart and the Varsity Blues star both guest starred on Ugly Betty in 2007, they did not appear in the same episode.
Dane revealed he had been diagnosed with ALS in April 2025. His family announced his death on Thursday.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," his family said in a statement. "Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always."
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James Van Der Beek announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024. His wife confirmed his death on Feb. 11.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she wrote on Instagram. "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."
Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart with their daughters Billie and Georgia
Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram
Dane and Gayheart married in 2004, and the couple welcomed daughters Billie and Georgia in 2010 and 2011, respectively. The Jawbreaker actress filed for divorce in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences, but later filed to have the divorce dismissed in March 2025, just a few weeks before Dane publicized his diagnosis.
The Van Der Beeks wed in 2010 and had six children together: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
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Friends of both late actors launched GoFundMe campaigns to support their respective families after their deaths. At the time of writing, Van Der Beek's campaign has raised $2.7 million (including a $25,000 donation from Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw), and Dane's has received $215,000 (including a $27,000 donation from Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and his wife, Ashley).
on Entertainment Weekly
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
