Tributes have been paid to Dawson’s Creek actor James Van Der Beek, who died aged 48 on Wednesday following a battle with bowel cancer and leaves behind his wife and children
This touching photograph show James Van Der Beek’s emotional final moments with close friend Alfonso Ribeiro who “made him laugh for the last time”.
Van Der Beek, 48, died on Wednesday following a battle with bowel cancer. The actor, who played Dawson Leery in the US teen drama Dawson’s Creek between 1998 and 2003, leaves behind wife Kimberley Brook and their six children, to one of whom Ribeiro is godfather.
And Ribeiro, who played Carlton Banks in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, today shared a poignant glimpse into his final moments with his friend. The 54-year-old actor was by Van Der Beek’s bedside shortly before his death. Writing on Instagram, Ribeiro said: “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.”
In the heartbreaking photo, Ribeiro, who was also in sitcom Silver Spoons, is seen holding Van Der Beek’s head as he lies in bed, with a woven hat pulled low.
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Just hours after Van Der Beek’s death was announced, father-of-four Ribeiro shared another touching throwback photo of the two friends, this time standing side by side outside, with Van Der Beek looking healthy and vibrant.
The star captioned the image: “I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today. He was my true friend, brother and life guide. I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer.
“His family and friends went on this rollercoaster ride – the highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back.
“I’ve learned so much from James. He and @vanderkimberly changed my life. I will forever be in debt for all they’ve given me and my family.
“He will live forever in my heart. I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.
“I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”
Actress Nicole Bilderback, who appeared alongside Van Der Beek in the US show as Heather Tracy, also paid tribute to the entertainer. She said in a post on Instagram: “Over the five episodes of Dawson’s I did, I am blessed and lucky to have had you in every single scene with me. You will be missed so dearly. Your kindness and light shines on in this world forever. This hurts. Rest in peace.”
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