Alfonso Ribeiro Shares Heartbreaking “Last Moment” With James Van Der Beek
In a deeply emotional tribute, Alfonso Ribeiro has opened up about his final moments with his close friend and “brother,” James Van Der Beek, who passed away this week after a battle with cancer.
The Dancing with the Stars host took to social media to share a glimpse into their friendship, revealing that he had the chance to say a proper goodbye just days before the Dawson’s Creek star’s death.
Ribeiro posted a photo captured by Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly, which shows the two friends together during the final weekend of James’s life. Despite the gravity of the situation, the image captures a moment of light amidst the sorrow.
“My last moment was making him laugh one last time,” Ribeiro wrote in the caption. “I really miss him already.”
The photo, taken “just a few minutes” before Ribeiro said his final goodbye, highlights the bond the two shared, a friendship that clearly remained vibrant even in the darkest times.
In a separate, lengthy post, Ribeiro expressed his devastation, describing Van Der Beek not just as a friend, but as a “life guide.” He offered a raw look at the difficult journey the actor and his family have been on.
“I was with him through this horrible journey to beat cancer,” Ribeiro shared. “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.”
Ribeiro credited James and Kimberly with changing his life, stating he would forever be in debt to them.
Looking forward, Ribeiro made a public pledge to support Van Der Beek’s children, specifically highlighting his role in the life of James’s daughter, Gwen.
“I will always be there for their children,” he wrote. “I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life.”
He concluded his tribute with a message of love for his late friend: “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.”
