The entertainment world is set to witness the last onscreen performance of the beloved actor James Van Der Beek in the upcoming prequel series to ‘Legally Blonde’, titled ‘Elle’. Tragically, the actor passed away earlier this year in February at the age of 48 after a courageous battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer.
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In a touching moment shared on social media, Kimberly Van Der Beek, his wife, revealed that their daughters, Emilia, aged 10, and Annabel, 12, had the opportunity to visit their father during the filming of ‘Elle’. Accompanying a video from the New York City premiere, Kimberly explained the immense pride James felt towards this role, especially given that his daughters were eagerly anticipating watching the series.
At the premiere, co-showrunner Caroline Dries took a moment to pay tribute to James, reflecting on his buoyant spirit during a challenging time. She noted that he found solace in acting, describing how it allowed him to escape the pain he often encountered. Dries emphasised that even off-camera, James’s positivity was infectious, describing him as “buoyant and happy”.
According to Dries, James was deeply engaged with the production and enjoyed spending time with his family on set. “He brought his daughters to set, shared laughs with us, and exhibited nothing but kindness,” she shared. “This was James’ last role, and we all made an effort to ensure that he felt joy throughout the experience.”
In additional tributes, Kimberly recently marked the first Father’s Day since James’s passing, reflecting on the depth of her husband’s character and parenting. She expressed her enduring love for him through an emotional Instagram post, stating, “Missing you so much and thinking of how magnificent you were in every single way today.” She added, “And somehow, from the other side? You continue to parent. You’re a marvel.”
James is remembered not just for his designated roles in television and film, but for the family he cherished. The couple met in Israel in 2009 and married the following year. Their union produced six children: Olivia, 15; Joshua, 14; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 10; Gwendolyn, 8; and Jeremiah, 4. Each of them has benefitted from James’s lively and affectionate parenting style.
The actor was first diagnosed with cancer in August 2023, following a routine colonoscopy. He announced the news exclusively to PEOPLE in November, expressing that his priority was his health and family. Following his death, Kimberly posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, stating that he had passed away peacefully, having faced his circumstances with remarkable bravery and grace.
As fans eagerly await the release of the prequel series, ‘Elle’, the legacy and spirit of James Van Der Beek continue to shine through. The warmth and sincerity he brought to his roles, coupled with his profound love for his family, will forever be cherished by those who knew him and those who admired his work.