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James Van Der Beek's wife is paying tribute to another recently departed TV star.
Kimberly Van Der Beek shared a photo of herself and the lateDawson's Creekactor alongsideEric DaneandRebecca Gayheart's family on her Instagram Stories on Saturday. The post came two days after Dane died from ALS, and 10 days afterJames Van Der Beek diedfollowing his colorectal cancer diagnosis.
"RIP @realericdane,"Kimberly wrote in her post, as she sent warm wishes to Dane's wife and caretaker. "We love you @rebeccagayheartdane."
She continued, "Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together."
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Dane and James Van Der Beek never shared the screen together. Though Gayheart and theVarsity Bluesstar both guest starred onUgly Bettyin 2007, they did not appear in the same episode.
Danerevealed he had been diagnosed with ALSin April 2025. His familyannounced his deathon Thursday.
"With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world," his family said in a statement. "Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always."
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James Van Der Beekannounced his colorectal cancer diagnosisin November 2024. His wife confirmed his death on Feb. 11.
"Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she wrote on Instagram. "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."
Rebecca Gayheart/Instagram
Dane and Gayheart married in 2004, and the couple welcomed daughters Billie and Georgia in 2010 and 2011, respectively. TheJawbreakeractressfiled for divorce in 2018, citing irreconcilable differences, but laterfiled to have the divorce dismissedin March 2025, just a few weeks before Dane publicized his diagnosis.
The Van Der Beeks wed in 2010 and had six children together: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
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Friends of both late actorslaunched GoFundMe campaignsto support their respective families after their deaths. At the time of writing,Van Der Beek's campaignhas raised $2.7 million (includinga $25,000 donationfrom Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw), andDane'shas received $215,000 (including a $27,000 donation fromEuphoriacreator Sam Levinson and his wife, Ashley).
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