Grief unfolded quietly on Instagram as Alfonso Ribeiro reflected on friendship, faith, and final conversations with James Van Der Beek. Their bond stretched beyond television sets into godparent promises and hospital room vigils. What he ultimately shared would turn a private farewell into a moment millions felt.

Alfonso Ribeiro shared a heartbreaking bedside photo marking his final goodbye to James Van Der Beek.

"This was taken by @vanderkimberly just a few minutes before I said my last goodbye. My last moment was making him laugh one last time. I really miss him already," Alfonso Ribeiro wrote in his Instagram caption alongside the photo.

The image shows Ribeiro cradling Van Der Beek’s head tenderly in his hospital bed.

Their bond extended far beyond Hollywood circles. Ribeiro described Van Der Beek as a true friend, brother, and life guide, and he serves as godfather to his seven-year-old daughter, Gwendolyn. He remained by his side throughout the colorectal cancer battle and has pledged ongoing support to Kimberly and their six children.

While laughter marked his farewell, Van Der Beek’s life story carried courage far beyond that hospital room.

James Van Der Beek, the '90s icon who proved that strength is more than stardom

Van Der Beek rose to fame as Dawson Leery on Dawson’s Creek, becoming one of television’s defining faces of the late 1990s. He later starred in films like Varsity Blues and appeared on Dancing with the Stars in 2019. In August 2023, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer.

After publicly revealing his diagnosis in November 2024, Van Der Beek partnered with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance to promote early screenings.

He continued working through treatment, appearing on The Masked Singer in 2025. He spent his final months focused on faith, family, and the sacredness of time.

What are your thoughts on Alfonso Ribeiro’s tribute to James Van Der Beek? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Shraddha Priyadarshi

Edited by

Aliza Siddiqui