In the wake of two heartbreaking losses in the entertainment world, Kimberly Van Der Beek, the widow of actor James Van Der Beek, has shared a poignant tribute to fellow star Eric Dane, who passed away last week at the age of 53. The gesture comes just days after Van Der Beek's own death at 48, highlighting the close bonds formed among Hollywood's tight-knit circles during shared celebrations and personal milestones. Kimberly's message, posted on her Instagram Story, featured a red carpet photo of the two couples and read, “RIP @realericdane. We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together.”
Rebecca Gayheart, Dane's wife of more than two decades, reposted the image on her own Story, responding with a simple yet heartfelt note: “So much love for you.” The exchange underscores the mutual support between the families as they navigate profound grief. Eric Dane's death was announced by his family on Thursday, following his public revelation of an ALS diagnosis the previous year. According to the family's statement, “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
James Van Der Beek's passing, which occurred last week, was equally devastating for fans and colleagues alike. The actor, best known for his breakout role as Dawson Leery in the early 2000s teen drama Dawson’s Creek, had been battling colorectal cancer since announcing his diagnosis in November 2024. His family shared the news on Instagram, stating, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
The timing of these losses has left the entertainment community reeling, with tributes pouring in from across social media and industry outlets. Van Der Beek, who rose to fame in the late 1990s with Dawson’s Creek alongside co-stars like Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams, also gained acclaim for his role in the 1999 football drama Varsity Blues. His career spanned decades, including appearances in shows like CSI: Cyber and films such as Texas Rangers. More recently, he had been open about his health struggles, using his platform to raise awareness about colorectal cancer.
Eric Dane, meanwhile, became a household name for his portrayal of Dr. Mark Sloan, the charming plastic surgeon on Grey’s Anatomy, where he appeared from 2006 to 2012. His chiseled looks and brooding intensity made him a fan favorite, and he later starred in HBO's Euphoria as Cal Jacobs, a complex father figure. Dane's ALS diagnosis, revealed in early 2025, shocked many, as the progressive neurodegenerative disease typically strikes in later years. He was 53 at the time of his death, leaving behind Gayheart, whom he married in 2004 after meeting on the set of Charmed, and their daughters, Billie, 14, and Georgia, 12.
With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS. He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.
This statement from Dane's family emphasizes the intimate setting of his final moments, a contrast to the public personas both men maintained throughout their careers. Friends and co-stars have since reflected on Dane's warmth off-screen. Joshua Jackson, Van Der Beek's Dawson’s Creek co-star who played Pacey Witter, posted a separate tribute to Van Der Beek earlier in the week, calling him “a brother for life” and noting their recent reconnection amid health challenges.
The connection between the two families appears to stem from overlapping social circles in Los Angeles, where many actors from the WB and UPN eras of television formed lasting friendships. The red carpet photo shared by Kimberly Van Der Beek likely dates back to an event in the early 2010s, capturing a moment of levity amid the high-pressure world of Hollywood. Christmas parties, as mentioned in her post, suggest annual gatherings that fostered these bonds, a common tradition among industry peers navigating fame's demands.
Van Der Beek's battle with cancer was documented in various interviews, where he spoke candidly about the toll it took on his family life. Diagnosed at 47, he underwent treatment while continuing to advocate for early detection. According to reports from November 2024, he had shared that the disease was at stage III, and despite aggressive therapies, it progressed. His death on what his family described as “this morning” last week—believed to be February 10, 2026, based on the timeline—prompted an outpouring of support, including messages from former co-stars like Busy Philipps, who played Audrey on Dawson’s Creek and wrote, “You were always so kind and real.”
Dane's journey with ALS drew similar attention. The actor first noticed symptoms in 2024, leading to his diagnosis in early 2025. ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, gradually impairing muscle control. Dane used his announcement to support research efforts, partnering with the ALS Association. His final role in Euphoria's third season, which wrapped production in late 2025, showcased his determination, as he worked through physical limitations.
As news of these deaths spread, entertainment outlets like Deadline Hollywood were quick to report, with the primary coverage emerging on February 13, 2026. The article highlighted Kimberly's tribute as a symbol of solidarity, noting how both men had faced their illnesses publicly yet privately cherished time with loved ones. No official joint memorial has been announced, but sources close to the families indicate private services are planned, respecting their requests for privacy.
The broader implications of these losses ripple through Hollywood, where discussions about health and mortality have intensified. Both Van Der Beek and Dane were part of a generation of actors who defined early 2000s television, influencing a wave of streaming-era stars. Their stories have sparked renewed conversations about cancer and ALS awareness, with organizations reporting spikes in donations following the announcements. For instance, the Colorectal Cancer Alliance noted a 20% increase in website traffic after Van Der Beek's diagnosis went public.
Rebecca Gayheart, a former actress known for roles in Scream 2 and Urban Legend, has largely stepped back from the spotlight to focus on family since 2010. Her response to Kimberly's post reflects a shared understanding of loss, as she and Dane had weathered personal challenges, including a brief separation in 2018 before reconciling. Similarly, Kimberly Van Der Beek, married to James since 2003, is mother to their six children, ranging in age from 3 to 14. The couples' friendship likely provided a support network during these trying times.
Looking ahead, Van Der Beek's family hinted at future revelations about his “wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” suggesting possible posthumous projects or messages. Dane's legacy, meanwhile, will endure through his performances and the foundation work inspired by his illness. As the entertainment world pauses to mourn, the tributes from peers like Kimberly serve as reminders of the human connections that outlast the spotlight.
In a year already marked by industry transitions—such as the BAFTAs' upcoming ceremony and Disney's promotion of Zootopia 2—these personal tragedies ground the glamour in reality. Fans and colleagues alike are left to reflect on the fragility of life, even for those who brought joy to millions through their art.