{"id":2281189,"date":"2026-02-13T22:31:20","date_gmt":"2026-02-13T22:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2281189"},"modified":"2026-02-13T22:31:20","modified_gmt":"2026-02-13T22:31:20","slug":"james-van-der-beeks-inner-circle-alfonso-ribeiro-and-more-friends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/james-van-der-beeks-inner-circle-alfonso-ribeiro-and-more-friends\/","title":{"rendered":"James Van Der Beek’s Inner Circle: Alfonso Ribeiro and More Friends"},"content":{"rendered":"

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James Van Der Beek<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s inner circle is a tight-knit crew built on fond memories, laughter and years of shared experiences.<\/p>\n

At the core was Van Der Beek, surrounded by close friends who became like family, including Dancing With the Stars<\/em> cohost Alfonso Ribeiro<\/strong><\/a>, Law & Order<\/em> alum Mehcad Brooks<\/strong><\/a>, WWE Hall of Famer Stacy Keibler<\/strong><\/a> and designer Erin Fetherston<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

The four were by the Dawson\u2019s Creek<\/em> actor\u2019s side during his final days, cherishing every last moment they could spend together. (Van Der Beek died from colorectal cancer on February 11, 2026, 15 months after announcing his diagnosis. He was 48 and left behind a beautiful family including wife Kimberly and the couple\u2019s six kids: daughters Olivia<\/strong>, Annabel<\/strong>, Emilia<\/strong>, and Gwendolyn<\/strong> as well as sons Joshua<\/strong> and Jeremiah<\/strong>.)<\/p>\n

Not only did he impact those closest to him, but also people that he worked alongside while making his mark in Hollywood. Several celebrities shared their condolences, including his former costars Katie Holmes<\/strong>, Busy Philipps<\/strong> and more.<\/p>\n

Scroll down to learn more about his inner circle:<\/p>\n

Alfonso Ribeiro Is Godfather to James Van Der Beek\u2019s Daughter Gwendolyn<\/h2>\n

James Van Der Beek and Alfonso Ribeiro seemingly struck up a bond in 2019 when Van Der Beek tried his luck on season 28 of Dancing With the Stars<\/em>, which Ribeiro cohosts with Julianne Hough<\/strong>. The actor ultimately finished in fifth place.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe was my true friend brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer,\u201d the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air<\/em> star shared about their connection, revealing that he was asked to be the godfather<\/a> of Van Der Beek\u2019s youngest daughter.<\/p>\n

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\n Alfonso Ribeiro, James Van Der Beek.<\/span> Courtesy of Alfonso Ribeiro \/Instagram<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Mehcad Brooks and James Van Der Beek Were Longtime Friends<\/h2>\n

Desperate Housewives<\/em> alum Mechad Brooks praised James Van Der Beek for handling his health battle \u201clike a king<\/a>,\u201d revealing that his beloved friend was a true inspiration to him.<\/p>\n

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\n Related: <\/span>Celebrities Who Donated Money to James Van Der Beek’s Family After His Death<\/span><\/a>
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\n\t\t\tJames Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly Van Der Beek\u2019s famous friends have offered their financial support following his tragic death at 48. \u201cOur beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith and grace,\u201d Kimberly, 44, wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11. \u201cThere [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Mehcad has been sharing a GoFundMe page set up to support Kimberly and the late star\u2019s family after she revealed they have been facing a mountain of debt due to medical bills.<\/p>\n

Brooks also showed love to Kimberly\u2019s Instagram post about Van Der Beek\u2019s death, revealing that being with his brood during that sacred time was the \u201cgreatest honor\u201d of his life.<\/p>\n

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Courtesy of Mehcad Brooks\/Instagram<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Stacy Keibler and James Van Der Beek Reportedly Grew Close at the Height of His Fame<\/h2>\n

Stacy Keibler is close to James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, having met around the time when he starred on Dawson\u2019s Creek<\/em>, which spanned for six seasons from 1998 to 2003, according to multiple reports.<\/p>\n

Similar to Van Der Beek, she competed in DWTS<\/em> and Keibler placed third during season 2. She was also by his side at his Texas ranch before he died.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you know time is sacred, you don\u2019t waste a single breath<\/a>. You don\u2019t rush. You don\u2019t scroll. You don\u2019t worry about tomorrow. You sit. You listen,\u201d she wrote in her tribute, praising him for being an \u201cincredible husband\u201d to Kimberly and \u201can extraordinary dad.\u201d<\/p>\n

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