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- Ribeiro posts poignant bedside photo and memories
- How their relationship began and the Dancing with the Stars link
- Family ties and Ribeiro’s role as godfather
- Kimberly Van Der Beek’s update and tributes from friends
- Community response: GoFundMe and celebrity donors
- Personal remembrances from coworkers and fans
Alfonso Ribeiro has shared an intimate photograph from his final moments with James Van Der Beek, capturing a quiet goodbye before the actor’s death Wednesday. Van Der Beek lost a near three-year battle with colorectal cancer, and the image and words Ribeiro posted have sparked an outpouring of grief from fans and colleagues.
Ribeiro posts poignant bedside photo and memories
On Instagram, Ribeiro published a tender scene taken at Van Der Beek’s bedside. In the picture, Ribeiro cradled his friend’s head while the actor rested.
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Ribeiro said the snapshot was taken by Van Der Beek’s wife just minutes before they parted. He described trying to bring a laugh in that last window of time and said the moment will stay with him.
Ribeiro also shared an earlier image of the two smiling together, noting the depth of the friendship they built. He called the bond a source of profound love and influence in his life.
How their relationship began and the Dancing with the Stars link
The pair’s public connection dated back to Van Der Beek’s appearance on Dancing with the Stars in 2019. Alfonso Ribeiro, who co-hosts that show with Julianne Hough, worked closely with celebrities and pros during the season.
That shared stage and later private moments developed into a close friendship that included family ties and mutual support through illness.
Family ties and Ribeiro’s role as godfather
Ribeiro revealed he is the godfather to Van Der Beek’s youngest daughter, Gwendolyn, and described the role as one of his life’s most important honors.
- Gwendolyn — 7 years old
- Olivia — 14 years old
- Joshua — 13 years old
- Annabel — 12 years old
- Emilia — 8 years old
- Jeremiah — 3 years old
Ribeiro pledged to remain a steady presence for the children and for Kimberly, writing that he felt indebted to what James and his wife had given his family.
Kimberly Van Der Beek’s update and tributes from friends
Kimberly announced her husband’s passing on Instagram, saying he “passed peacefully” and that he faced his final days with courage and faith.
Friends and fellow entertainers have shared memories and photos that reflect the actor’s last months. Former WWE star Stacy Keibler posted a sunset photo and described the experience of being fully present in Van Der Beek’s final days.
Keibler emphasized the value of the present moment, recounting how the two exchanged wisdom and promises while watching the sun set together.
Community response: GoFundMe and celebrity donors
To help Kimberly and the couple’s six children, friends launched a GoFundMe. Organizers said medical and living expenses had exhausted the family’s resources.
- The campaign quickly surpassed $1 million in donations.
- Noted contributors included Zoe Saldana, who set up a recurring monthly gift.
- Other celebrities who donated were Derek Hough, Ricki Lake, Lydia Hearst, and Kaley Cuoco.
The fundraising effort aimed to remove financial uncertainty and support the children’s future, according to the campaign description.
Personal remembrances from coworkers and fans
Colleagues and admirers have flooded social platforms with condolences and anecdotes about Van Der Beek’s warmth and humor.
Ribeiro called him a brother and life guide, and said he had been privileged to accompany him during the fight against cancer.
Many highlighted how Van Der Beek remained courageous and full of faith in his last days, and how small, meaningful moments—like shared laughter—stood out above all.
Public figures honoring his legacy
- Actors and dancers paid tribute to his talent and kindness.
- Fans remembered his roles and his openness about health struggles.
- Close friends posted private photos and messages about final conversations.
