Alfonso Ribeiro Shares Photo From ‘Last Goodbye’ With James Van Der Beek

Alfonso Ribeiro is sharing an emotional moment with James Van Der Beek before his death at age 48.

In the photo shared on Thursday, February 12, Ribeiro, 54, was seen holding Van Der Beek’s head as the pair placed their foreheads together. Van Der Beek laid down on a bed with a white knit hat on his head.

“This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye,” Ribeiro wrote via Instagram, referring to James’ wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek. “My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already.”

Kimberly shared the news that James died on Wednesday, February 11, following a battle with colorectal cancer. Alongside the message, Kimberly posted a photo of James.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace,” Kimberly wrote at the time. “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 is survived by Kimberly and the couple’s six children: Olivia (born in 2010), Joshua (born in 2012), Annabel (born in 2014), Emilia (born in 2016), Gwendolyn (born in 2018) and Jeremiah (born in 2021). Ribeiro, meanwhile, revealed on Wednesday that he is a godfather to Gwendolyn.

“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today,” Ribeiro wrote via Instagram on Wednesday. “He was my true friend brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from james.”

Ribeiro continued, “He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family. He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”

Since news broke of James’ death, Kimberly — who tied the knot with the Dawson’s Creek star in 2010 — has set up a GoFundMe to address the financial issues their family is facing.

“James Van Der Beek was a beloved husband, father, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him,” the GoFundMe page read. “After a long and courageous battle with cancer, James passed away on February 11, 2026 leaving behind his devoted wife, Kimberly, and their six wonderful children. Throughout his illness, the family faced not only emotional challenges but also significant financial strain as they did everything possible to support James and provide for his care.”