Alfonso Ribeiro shared a personal message and photo following the death of James Van Der Beek.
In a post shared online, Ribeiro reflected on one of the final moments he spent with the actor before his death on Feb. 11 at the age of 48.
The photo, taken by Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, showed Ribeiro holding the actor close while the two lay together in bed. Ribeiro said the image was captured shortly before he said goodbye.
He wrote that his last moment with Van Der Beek involved making him laugh one more time, adding that he already missed him.
Later that day, Ribeiro shared another tribute where he spoke more openly about their friendship and the years they spent supporting one another through Van Der Beek’s cancer journey.
He described the actor as a close friend, brother, and someone who deeply impacted his life and family. Ribeiro also revealed that he is the godfather of Van Der Beek’s daughter, Gwendolyn.
Van Der Beek had publicly shared his colorectal cancer diagnosis in 2024 after first learning about it the year prior. In interviews, he spoke candidly about how the experience changed his perspective on life, family, and time.
In one of his final televised interviews, he described the illness as something that forced him to become more present and appreciative of everyday moments.
His wife, Kimberly, announced his death in a public statement, describing his final days as being met with “courage, faith, and grace.”
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