James Van Der Beek‘s stylist opened up about the late actor’s extensive efforts to support his family amid his battle with cancer.
“15 years of friendship. Years of memories and fittings and kids (and more kids), of weekly baby music classes, life events, bonding over ups and downs, of sage parenting advice that shaped me as a parent like no one else has,” Ilaria Urbinati wrote via Instagram on Wednesday, February 11, shortly after news broke of Van Der Beek’s death.
Urbinati gushed over how her friendship with Van Der Beek developed through the years.
“Over a decade of fittings — the way he loved clothes! The way he was endlessly amused at my bossiness. He had the deepest, best laugh,” she shared. “The way he and Kimberly took me in as a friend first and foremost, and eventually as family — like they have with so many. The way I remember every single one of their kids as babies.”
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The twosome formed a special bond which Urbinati won’t forget. “The flowers he sent me every birthday (a class act he was),” she added. “The way they shared their spirituality, their love of family, their love of health. And set an example for everyone.”
She continued: “I don’t even know where to begin to explain the kind of person James was. Warm. Generous. Open. Self deprecating. So at ease in vulnerability. I have never seen anyone love and adore his wife and kids like he did. Or be so forthright with his affection — he would send the warmest texts out of nowhere.”
In the social media post, Urbinati highlighted Van Der Beek’s commitment to making a living while undergoing treatment for stage III colorectal cancer.
“I got to see him a lot this last year, he was working hard for his family. I don’t think I will ever again come across anyone so serene and joyful through such adversity,” she wrote. “He could make you believe in a miracle. If anyone deserves a miracle it was him and his incredible family. And it’s hard not to feel how unfair this is. But the truth is that his beautiful life and the way he touched so many, was its own kind of magic. I love you James. Thank you for all of it.”
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Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, confirmed his death at age 48 on Wednesday, writing via Instagram, “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace.”
Kimberly, 43, shared kids Olivia, 14, Joshua, 13, Annabel, 11, Emilia, 8, Gwendolyn, 6, and Jeremiah, 3, with the Dawson’s Creek alum.
“There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time,” the post continued. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend.”
After James’ death, a GoFundMe was started for his family, who were “out of funds” after high medical costs. They raised over $1 million in less than a day.
