June Diane Raphael Shares Photos of James Van Der Beek and His Daughter Annabel, 12, on the Set of “Elle”

**June Diane Raphael Pays Tribute to Late Co-star James Van Der Beek**

June Diane Raphael has shared heartfelt reflections on her late co-star, James Van Der Beek, in an emotional tribute on Instagram. This follows Van Der Beek’s untimely passing in February this year at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer. The actress took to social media on 13 July to remember the actor, who was beloved for his role as a mayoral candidate Dean Wilson in the prequel series of *Legally Blonde*.

In her tribute, Raphael, who portrays Eva Woods, the mother of the iconic character Elle Woods, expressed her gratitude for the time she spent working with Van Der Beek. She reminisced about how he frequently spoke about his family, his wife Kimberly, and their six children during filming, painting a picture of a devoted father who deeply cherished his family.

Raphael wrote, “It’s hard to put into words how special my time with James was,” thanking him for the moments shared both on and off the set. The warmth and affinity present in her message highlighted just how much he impacted the cast and crew of *Elle*.

James Van Der Beek’s legacy extends beyond his diverse professional roles. His dedication to his family shone through as Raphael noted instances where he brought his daughters, Annabel and Emilia, to the set—a move that was particularly touching. She remarked, “I know how careful and judicious so many actors are about what sets they’ll bring their kids onto. So the fact that he did that a few times meant the world to me.”

The actress implied that Van Der Beek wished to create a positive work environment for his daughters to witness. “It was really cool for them to see their dad work,” she stated, adding that such experiences left a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Raphael’s tribute was accompanied by a collection of photographs featuring her alongside Van Der Beek and his daughter, Annabel. She included a playful image of herself with Van Der Beek and *Elle* showrunners Laura Kittrell and Caroline Dries, a moment that captured the admiration they all felt for him.

As a mark of respect, the cast and crew of *Elle* also remembered Van Der Beek with a special title card that appeared at the end of the third episode, which read, “In loving memory of James Van Der Beek.” Such gestures highlight the deep sense of loss felt within the production team.

In previous discussions, Raphael elaborated on the connection she felt with Van Der Beek, stating that they bonded instantly over their shared love of family. She described him as both charming and remarkably approachable, with an ease in his personality that facilitated a smooth working relationship. “He’s one of the easiest actors I’ve ever worked with,” she remarked, acknowledging how his warm presence influenced everyone around him.

Raphael considers her time with Van Der Beek to be “the most meaningful time” in her career. In remembering him, she affirmed the significance of the experiences they shared together, highlighting how they will be treasured for years to come.

For fans of Van Der Beek and the *Legally Blonde* franchise, season one of *Elle* is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, serving as a lasting tribute to the actor’s remarkable talent and the fond memories he left behind.