Introduction

Kimberly Van Der Beek has long been known as the steady, faith-filled partner behind Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek. But in February 2026, she stepped into a different spotlight — one marked by grief and grace — after announcing her husband’s passing following his battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

While the world remembers James as Dawson Leery, Kimberly remains the heart of their family: a mother of six, a podcast host, a former producer, and the woman who stood beside him through love, loss, relocation, and ultimately, illness. Here’s everything to know about Kimberly Van Der Beek and her life with the late actor.

Who Is Kimberly Van Der Beek?

Kimberly Van Der Beek (née Kimberly Brook) is an American producer, podcast host, and wellness advocate best known as the wife of actor James Van Der Beek. The couple married in 2010 and built a life centered on family, faith, and intentional living.

Though often described in relation to her husband’s fame, Kimberly has cultivated her own voice — particularly around motherhood, pregnancy loss awareness, and emotional healing.

Her Connection to James Van Der Beek

Kimberly met James Van Der Beek in 2009 during a trip to Israel, shortly after his first marriage to actress Heather McComb ended. What began as a chance encounter quickly evolved into something deeper. Within six months, they were expecting their first child.

They married on August 1, 2010, in Tel Aviv, Israel, in a spiritual ceremony at the Kabbalah Centre. Over the next decade and a half, they welcomed six children:

• Olivia (born September 25, 2010)

• Joshua (born March 13, 2012)

• Annabel Leah (born January 25, 2014)

• Emilia (born March 23, 2016)

• Gwendolyn (born June 15, 2018)

• Jeremiah (born October 10, 2021)

Recently, Kimberly made headlines when she confirmed James Van Der Beek’s death on February 11, 2026, after his journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Her statement described him as meeting his final days “with courage, faith, and grace.”

Early Life & Childhood

Kimberly Brook has kept much of her early life private. While she has not publicly detailed her childhood extensively, she has spoken about personal growth, spirituality, and healing — themes that suggest a deep commitment to emotional awareness from an early age.

Her grounded demeanor and openness about vulnerability have become central to her public identity.

Family Background, Parents & Siblings

Kimberly has chosen to keep details about her parents and siblings largely out of the public eye. In contrast, James Van Der Beek was born on March 8, 1977, in Cheshire, Connecticut, to Melinda Weber, a former Broadway dancer and gymnastics teacher, and James William Van Der Beek, a cell phone company executive. He had two siblings, Jared and Juliana Van Der Beek.

Despite James’ public upbringing in Hollywood, Kimberly and James intentionally created a quieter life for their own children.

Education

Specific details about Kimberly’s formal education have not been widely publicized. However, her work in media and production suggests a background or training connected to creative industries.

Career and Professional Life

Kimberly worked as an associate producer on the 2010 documentary Teenage Paparazzo, directed by Adrian Grenier. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and explored celebrity culture through the lens of a teenage photographer.

In 2023, she co-hosted the podcast Bathroom Chronicles alongside Peggy Rometo. The show featured guests such as Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Rumer Willis, focusing on honest conversations about womanhood, identity, and healing.

James frequently expressed admiration for Kimberly’s ability to create safe emotional spaces. He once described her work as “inspirational,” praising her depth, curiosity, and compassion.

Their Relationship Dynamic

James often credited Kimberly with teaching him unconditional love. During his cancer journey — first revealed publicly in November 2024 after being diagnosed in August 2023 — he openly shared how much he relied on her strength.

When he was unable to attend the September 2025 Dawson’s Creek reunion due to illness, Kimberly and their six children represented him. Fans gave them a standing ovation — a moment James later described as deeply moving.

The couple also faced profound heartbreak together, experiencing five miscarriages. Kimberly nearly lost her life during one of those complications, later partnering with the American Red Cross to advocate for blood donation awareness.

Their bond was tested repeatedly — by pregnancy loss, career transitions, the death of James’ mother Melinda, and their relocation from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020 — but remained rooted in shared values.

Personal Life

In 2020, the Van Der Beek family moved to Texas, seeking a slower, more intentional lifestyle. They settled on a ranch in Spicewood, embracing nature and homeschooling.

Motherhood has been central to Kimberly’s life. She has spoken candidly about regulating emotions during chaos, raising emotionally intelligent children, and allowing each child to grow authentically.

Net Worth

While Kimberly’s individual net worth is not publicly confirmed, James Van Der Beek’s estimated net worth at the time of his passing was reported to be in the multi-million-dollar range, accumulated through his work in Dawson’s Creek, Varsity Blues, CSI: Cyber, and other projects. As his spouse and partner in shared ventures, Kimberly likely shares in those assets.

Interesting Facts About Kimberly Van Der Beek

• She married James in Israel just months after meeting him.

• She is a mother of six — though only one pregnancy was originally “planned.”

• She survived life-threatening pregnancy complications.

• She helped normalize public conversations about miscarriage.

• She represented James publicly during major moments when illness prevented him from attending.

 

Recent News

Kimberly Van Der Beek confirmed on February 11, 2026, that James Van Der Beek passed away after battling stage 3 colorectal cancer. He was 48.

He had first shared his diagnosis in November 2024, explaining that the cancer was discovered after a routine colonoscopy. Despite aggressive treatment and public optimism, the disease ultimately claimed his life.

Kimberly asked for privacy as the family grieves and indicated that more details regarding James’ wishes and legacy would be shared in time.

Conclusion

Kimberly Van Der Beek’s story is not defined solely by loss — though it now includes profound grief. She is a producer, podcast host, advocate, and above all, a devoted mother of six.

Through miscarriages, relocations, illness, and public scrutiny, she stood beside James Van Der Beek with steadiness and faith. As the world remembers a beloved television icon, Kimberly remains the quiet strength behind the scenes — navigating love, legacy, and the sacredness of time.

FAQs

Who is Kimberly Van Der Beek?
Kimberly Van Der Beek is a producer, podcast host, and the wife of late actor James Van Der Beek. They married in 2010 and share six children.

How many children do Kimberly and James Van Der Beek have?
They have six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

What was James Van Der Beek’s cause of death?
James Van Der Beek died in February 2026 following a battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

When did Kimberly Van Der Beek and James get married?
They were married on August 1, 2010, in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Where does Kimberly Van Der Beek live?
She relocated with her family from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020, where they lived on a ranch in Spicewood.