“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,” he wrote on Instagram.

Alfonso Ribeiro reveals he is godfather to late friend James Van Der Beek’s daughter: ‘I’m so broken’

"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," he wrote on Instagram.

By Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff

Lauren Huff is an award-winning journalist and staff writer at ** with over 12 years of experience covering all facets of the entertainment industry.

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February 11, 2026 9:54 p.m. ET

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Alfonso Ribeiro and James Van Der Beek. Credit:

Alfonso Ribeiro/Instagram

Alfonso Ribeiro is honoring his late friend James Van Der Beek, while also revealing their bond went beyond friendship — turns out, Ribeiro is also godfather to the *Dawson Creek* star's daughter, Gwendolyn.

On Wednesday, the actor's wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, shared a statement on social media, announcing that her husband had died following a battle with colorectal cancer. He was 48. Afterwards, Ribeiro took to his own social media accounts to pay tribute to his friend.

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

He continued, "I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer. His family and friends went on this roller coaster ride. The highs when it looked like he had it beat to the breaking lows of it coming back. I’ve learned so much from james."

The *Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* actor then added that James and Kimberly have changed his life, and he considers himself forever indebted to them "for all they’ve given me and my family." He then went on to mention his special role as Gwendolyn's godfather.

"He will live forever in my heart," Ribeiro wrote. "I will always be there for their children. I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life. 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."

James Van Der Beek with Kimberly and their children on 'The Masked Singer'.

Michael Becker/FOX

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In addition to Gwendolyn, 7, Kimberly and James also share daughters Olivia, 15; Annabel, 12; Emilia, 9; and sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremiah, 4.

In Kimberly's post announcing the passing of her husband, she shared that the actor had "passed peacefully this morning." "He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace," she wrote alongside a picture of James smiling. "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."

Ribeiro also commented on Kimberly's post, sharing, "lucky I got to be there to say goodbye."

James Van Der Beek's widow asks for help to support their 6 kids after his death

Watch James Van Der Beek and 'Dawson's Creek' cast reunite for show's 20th anniversary

James publicly announced his diagnosis in November 2024 and revealed he was "privately dealing" with his health after first being diagnosed in 2023. Friends of the late *Dancing With the Stars* contestant have started a GoFundMe drive for his family in the wake of his death.

As of Wednesday night, the fundraiser was well on its way to its $1 million goal, with some of the thousands of donors so far including *Dancing With the Stars* alums Ricki Lake and Derek Hough.**

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