For the late James Van Der Beek, shooting the recently released series Elle was truly a family affair.
On Friday, Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly shared a batch of sweet photos showing his daughters on set of the Prime Video show, which dropped Wednesday. In the pics, the Dawson’s Creek icon is in full wardrobe as his character, mayoral hopeful Dean Wilson, while his daughters, in true “bring your daughter to work day”-type fashion, were seen enjoying their time on set — attempting to operate the camera and playing Uno with the show’s star Lexi Minetree.
“While our family was going through a minor obsession with Legally Blonde, James was offered a role on Elle,” Kimberly wrote in her caption of her husband. “He jumped at the opportunity, and he made sure to bring both Annabel and Emilia on their own special trips to set. Those days became treasured memories.”
Van Der Beek died in February of cancer at age 48. Along with 12-year-old Annabel and 10 year-old Emilia, he was also dad to Olivia, 15, Joshua, 14, Gwendolyn, 8, and Jeremiah, 4.
Elle, which he worked on amid his cancer battle, would be his last role.
“Please gather your kids, make some popcorn, and enjoy this special one with your family,” she continued, and also thanked fellow actors June Diane Raphael and Jason Moore, as well as the directors and crew “for treating James and the kids with such kindness, respect, and playfulness.”
Related: ‘Elle’ Star June Diane Raphael Says Working With James Van Der Beek Was ‘So Special’
Leading up to the premiere of the show, a prequel to the 2001 hit Legally Blonde, which was executive produced byReese Witherspoon, Raphael and other castmates couldn’t help but share their memories of working with the late actor while doing promotional interviews.
“I loved working with James,” she told Parade. “I consider it one of the great honors of my professional career.”
Similar to Kimberly, the Grace and Frankie star also shared how Van Der Beek would bring his daughters to set.
“I think they had a blast,” she said. “Just seeing him with them was really special, because you could tell he is just the most amazing father.”
This story was originally published by Parade on Jul 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Celebs section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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