Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek; Van Der Beek and daughter Gwendolyn.Credit : Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram; James Van Der Beek/Instagram

NEED TO KNOW

Alfonso Ribeiro is sharing an emotional tribute to his friend James Van Der Beek following the actor’s death
The Dancing with the Stars host also revealed that he is godfather to Van Der Beek’s daughter Gwendolyn, 7
Ribeiro said he would always be there for Van Der Beek’s family

In an emotional tribute to his late friend James Van Der Beek, Alfonso Ribeiro revealed that he is the godfather of the actor’s daughter, Gwendolyn.

After news broke that the Dawson’s Creek star had died on Wednesday, Feb. 11, following a journey with stage 3 colorectal cancer, Ribeiro shared a lengthy tribute to Van Der Beek.

“I’m so broken right now with the passing of my friend @vanderjames today,” the Dancing with the Stars host began his post. “He was my true friend brother and life guide.”

Further down in his caption, Ribeiro said Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly forever changed his life and added that he would always be there for their six kids.

“I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life,” said Ribeiro, referring to Van Der Beek’s 7-year-old daughter Gwendolyn. “I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP.”

Kimberly announced the news of her husband’s death on Instagram on Feb. 11.

“Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning,” Kimberly wrote. “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 actor was first diagnosed in August 2023 and announced his diagnosis exclusively to PEOPLE in November 2024.

“I have colorectal cancer,” he revealed at the time. “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family.”

“There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he added.

After Van Der Beek’s death was announced, a GoFundMe was created by Kimberly’s friends to help support the family, who, according to the GoFundMe, is “out of funds” and “working hard to stay in their home” following the actor’s medical expenses.

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds,” a description on the post read.

“They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” it continued. “The support of friends, family, and the wider community will make a world of difference as they navigate the road ahead.”