James Van Der Beek recently shared a profoundly moving tribute to his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary amidst his ongoing battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. His heartfelt message, shared on Instagram, underscored Kimberly’s unwavering support and immense strength, crediting her as a pivotal force in his life, especially since his diagnosis in 2023.
The “Dawson’s Creek” alum, aged 48, expressed profound gratitude, captioning a joint photo with the words, “15 years ago today, this woman agreed to be my bride.” He lauded Kimberly as the “most extraordinary human” he’s ever encountered, hinting at untold struggles she has endured and her consistent presence, asserting, “You have not only saved my life… you’ve shown me what it is to live.” This powerful declaration highlights the depth of their bond.
Kimberly, 42, reciprocated the sentiment, affirming her love in the comments section of James’s lengthy Instagram post regarding his health, which he first shared in November 2024. Her simple yet poignant “I love you baby 🤍” resonated with fans, underscoring the mutual devotion and resilience that define their partnership during this challenging period. Their public display of affection offers a glimpse into their private journey.
The couple’s serendipitous meeting occurred in 2009 during a trip to Israel, a memory James vividly recounted in a 2020 Instagram caption. He described being mid-revelation about wanting a soulmate and a family when Kimberly’s voice interrupted him, leading to an immediate connection. This origin story speaks to a fated encounter, setting the stage for their enduring relationship.
Their whirlwind romance culminated in a small ceremony in Tel Aviv in August 2010. Since their union, James and Kimberly have built a bustling family, welcoming six children: daughters Olivia, 14, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 9, and Gwendolyn, 6, alongside sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 2. Their expanding family stands as a testament to their commitment and shared vision for life.
James first publicly disclosed his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, though he had been privately confronting the disease since 2023. This revelation brought into sharp focus the personal and familial challenges he has faced. His 48th birthday in May saw him post an Instagram video admitting the profound impact his cancer journey has had on his loved ones, emphasizing the unseen battles.
The actor articulated how his identity as a “loving, capable, strong, supportive husband, father, provider, steward of the land” was fundamentally disrupted by his diagnosis. This personal struggle, shared openly, highlights the emotional toll of serious illness and the transformative power of a supportive partner like Kimberly, who has remained a steadfast pillar throughout his cancer battle and recovery.
