There are so many reasons to feel sad about James Van Der Beek passing away at just 48 years old. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you – beloved actor, father of six, icon of a generation, yet was selling memorabilia to stay afloat financially – all just contribute to the feeling of loss.

What has struck me, though, is the number of writers, journalists, and other entertainment industry types who are sharing warm and lovely James Van Der Beek stories online. Not just “Yeah always a good interview”, but unusually, particularly nice, like this one:

Oh fuck. What a good dude he was. I got to spend three days with him on the set of RULES OF ATTRACTION & he was an absolute prince. He noticed some kids sneak on set & said "We should go over and say hi before security gets them." Just a really kind, funny, charming man. Heartbroken for his family.

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— C. Robert Cargill (@crobertcargill.bsky.social) February 11, 2026 at 11:44 AM
Photo credits: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

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