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Former Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek is celebrating his daughter, Annabel and his father, also called James on their joint birthdays
The actor shared an Instagram tribute on Sunday, Jan 25, praising the pair for their joint qualities of creativity, originality and having a great sense of humor
Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly share six children in total, daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah
James Van Der Beek is celebrating his daughter and his father on their joint birthday!
On Sunday, Jan 25, the former Dawson’s Creek star shared an Instagram tribute to his daughter Annabel, who was turning 12, and his father, who is also called James.
“My father and my daughter share a birthday today. At first, I thought that was all they shared — they seemed so different to me,” his words, which accompanied a picture of himself cuddling Annabel and one of Annabel cuddling her Grandfather, began.
“But as the two of you have evolved, and let more of who you are shine through, I can recognize the same open, warm, loving, gentle heart. I see the care and dedication you shower upon those you love most,” he continued.
James Van der Beek/Instagram
Annabel Van Der Beek and her Grandfather, James
He went on to describe their shared qualities of creativity, originality, and having a great sense of humor.
“In this crazy world, it’s a wonder to me that you’ve managed to stay so open, so tender, and so genuinely good,” he went on, “You are marvels… and I’m so insanely grateful to have you in my life.”
The 48-year-old’s sweet post ended, “The world is a better place because the two of you are in it. Happy birthday, guys. I love you with all my heart ❤️.”
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Kimberly Van Der Beek/Instagram
James Van Der Beek and his six children
Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, are the proud parents of six children: daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah.
“I think fatherhood changes you from the inside out,” the Varsity Blues star told PEOPLE in 2013, adding that he now has less time for himself, but that it’s a trade-off he’s happy to make for family.
Similarly, Kimberly — (née Brook), who met Van Der Beek in July 2009 and wed him in August 2010 — shared that having a big family means less time as a couple: “Now, date nights are on the couch ordering in and snuggling up,” she told PEOPLE in 2019.
“We have watched our lives change with each kid,” James shared in that same interview. “We’ve watched opportunities grow, and we’ve seen the positive effect it’s had on our other kids. And the added love brought into the house lights everybody up in a way that is kind of undeniable.”
And it was his family unit that the dad of six turned to when he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in November 2024. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family,” James told PEOPLE. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added of his health journey.
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