James Van Der Beek rose to fame as an actor but one of his favorite roles to date is that of a proud father.
The "Dawson's Creek" star and his wife, producer and fellow actor Kimberly Van Der Beek, are parents of six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn and Jeremiah.
The family supported James Van Der Beek, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023, when he had to miss a special "Dawson's Creek" reunion in New York City on Sept. 22, due to illness.
In his absence, the actor's wife and children stood onstage alongside his "Dawson's Creek" costars, and two of his daughters performed solos as the cast sang the hit TV show's famous theme song.
The actor told "Good Morning America" in 2023 that becoming a dad is "the craziest thing I've ever done."
He also said that being a father to his kids is, "the thing that's made me happiest."
Get to know the actor and his family below.
James Van Der Beek and his wife Kimberly married in August 2010.
The couple marked their 15th wedding anniversary on Aug. 1, 2025 with tributes to each other on Instagram.
"15 years ago today, this woman agreed to be my bride," James Van Der Beek wrote alongside a photo of the pair together. "@vanderkimberly you are the most extraordinary human I’ve ever met. One day I’ll tell the story of what you’ve endured these last two years and how you’ve shown up, time and time and time again. You have not only saved my life… you’ve shown me what it is to live."
"There are no words for how much I love and appreciate you. I could not do this without you," he continued. "Happy anniversary my love ❤️"
The Van Der Beeks welcomed their oldest child, a daughter named Olivia, in 2010.
James Van Der Beek wished his daughter a happy 15th birthday on Sept. 25, 2025, by sharing a video on Instagram of Olivia and her younger sister singing at the "Dawson's Creek" reunion.
"My oldest turned 15 today. Same age that Dawson was in the pilot," he wrote, in part. "To watch you stand there in that red dress, so confidently taking center stage amidst all those people I’ve known so long and cherish so deeply… I’m just left in awe."
In February 2024, Olivia performed on "We Are Family," singing a duet with her father to Lee Ann Womack's "I Hope You Dance."
James Van Der Beek called himself "a very proud papa" in a behind-the-scenes video post featuring Olivia.
"So proud of my baby girl. And I call her that because when I watched her tonight, all I could see was the newborn in the bassinet who I could not stop looking at in awe," he added in the accompanying caption.
Joshua is the second oldest of the Van Der Beek children and his parents' first son. He was born in 2012.
When Joshua turned 12 on March 13, 2025, James Van Der Beek described him as a young man with "depth and wisdom."
"No one has taught me more about the kind of man I want to be more than you. Your questions are my guideposts. Your opinions my mirror. And your sense of humor fills me with endless delight," he wrote on Instagram, later adding, "Thank you for always holding true to who you are and what you believe. And for being the most fun adventure buddy on the planet. I simply could not imagine a better son."
Annabel is the third of the Van Der Beek kids and shares the same January birthday as her paternal grandfather, James Van Der Beek's dad.
On her 11th birthday in January 2025, Van Der Beek shared a touching message on Instagram.
"There are sweet souls… and then there's you," Van Der Beek wrote. "The softest, most empathetic heart I know. It's been a really tough year to be so sensitive, and so connected to me, who's not been well in so many moments - which I know you know without my even having to be in the room."
Van Der Beek continued, "But as I emerge from this healing portal, I wish for you to experience the joy and laughter you so richly deserve to feel as deeply as the concern and worry."
James and Kimberly Van Der Beek welcomed their daughter Emilia in March 2016.
James Van Der Beek shared throwback photos on Instagram to celebrate Emilia's 9th birthday on March 23, 2025.
"My heart… turns 9 years old today," he wrote. "I consider all my children my teachers, but you I’ve always considered an authority. Whether you’re ushering us all out the door on time, helping put your little brother to bed, or telling me where you think I went wrong… when you speak, I listen."
James Van Der Beek announced the arrival of their daughter Gwendolyn in June 2018.
In celebration of her seventh birthday, he wrote on Instagram, "Before you dropped into this life, you filled your cart to the max with sweetness, sass… and I think you just might be a low-key genius. You can bring a roomful of adults to genuine, uproarious laughter, and witnessing you care for and nurture younger kids is enough to restore anyone’s faith in humanity."
The youngest of the Van Der Beek brood is Jeremiah, who was born in October 2021.
"We had no idea how much we needed you. But YOU did. You are once again proof to us that kids come into this world with their own thing; their own essence, appetites, and personality, and you have never been shy about letting us know exactly who you are, and what you want," James Van Der Beek wrote in an Oct. 10, 2024, Instagram post.
"Thank you for all the unique ways in which you challenge me (quite the feat after five kids 😳), and thank you for being the best snuggler on the planet," he added. "We love you bubs. Beyond grateful to have those ringlets in my life and to get to be your dad."
