James Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, mourned his friend Eric Dane after the actors died within one week of each other.
Kimberly, 43, shared a throwback photo via her Instagram Story on Saturday, February 21. In the picture, she and James posed alongside Dane, his wife, Rebecca Gayheart, and the pair’s daughters, Billie and Georgia, on the red carpet at the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball in Los Angeles in June 2017.
“RIP @realericdane,” Kimberly wrote. “We love you @rebeccagayheartdane.”
Kimberly then reflected on James’ friendship with Dane prior to their deaths as she addressed Gayheart, 54.
“Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together,” she added.
Gayheart later reposted Kimberly’s message, responding, “So much love for you.”
James died on February 11 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2023. The Dawson’s Creek alum was 48.
“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly said in a statement shared via Instagram on the day of his death. “He met his final days with courage, faith and grace. 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.”
James and Kimberly had been married since August 2010 and renewed their wedding vows shortly before his death. The couple shared six children: Olivia, 15, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 12, Emilia, 9, Gwendolyn, 7, and Jeremiah, 4.
Eight days after James’ death, Dane died on Thursday, February 19, at age 53. The Grey’s Anatomy alum had announced his ALS diagnosis less than one year earlier in April 2025.
“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” his family said in a statement to Parade at the time. “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.”
The statement continued: “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. Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time.”
Dane and Gayheart—whose daughters Billie and Georgia are now 15 and 14, respectively—separated in 2018 after 13 years of marriage. However, she withdrew her divorce filing in March 2025 amid his health battle. That November, Gayheart explained on the “Broad Ideas” podcast that she wanted to teach her kids how to be there for their family even “when times are at their worst.”
“We tell them, ‘We show up for people no matter what. He is our family. He is your father,’” she elaborated. “We will get through it the best we can.”
This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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