James Van Der Beek’s Brother Shares Heartfelt Tribute Following Actor’s Death | Variety

Jared Van Der Beek, brother of the late actor James Van Der Beek, publicly thanked those who offered support following his brother’s death on Wednesday, February 11th. The actor died at the age of 48 after being diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

In a Friday Instagram post, Jared Van Der Beek wrote of the bond between brothers, stating, “There’s a special bond that exists between brothers and two days ago, that physical bond was broken.” He continued, expressing the profound impact of the loss: “I now realize why people call it heartbreak when you lose someone close to you. There is a feeling of devastation and pain that runs so deep in the heart, I didn’t know it would hurt so badly. He was my person, the one I went to for any and all things. I’ve looked up to him since I was born. He has never failed to be there for me whenever I needed him.”

Jared Van Der Beek too highlighted the positive impact his brother had on others. “It has been wonderful reading and seeing how he touched so many lives not because of something he did, but because of who he was,” he wrote. He described James as someone who “shared with an open heart and with his wise soul.” Jared expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, noting that it was already bringing a sense of healing. He also acknowledged the dedication of those involved in his brother’s final days, thanking them for ensuring his “transition be as attractive as possible.”

The Van Der Beek family announced James’ death in a statement released on Instagram on February 11th, describing his passing as peaceful and noting that he faced his final days “with courage, faith, and grace.” The statement indicated that the family would share further details regarding James’ wishes and legacy at a later time, and requested privacy during their period of grief.

James Van Der Beek publicly revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis in November 2024, explaining that he sought medical attention after experiencing changes to his bowel movements. He had initially attributed these changes to his coffee consumption, but further investigation led to the diagnosis. Following his diagnosis, Van Der Beek dedicated himself to raising awareness about the disease.