Beyond the bright lights of Hollywood and his iconic role as Dawson Leery, James Van Der Beek’s most cherished part is that of a proud father to his six children. Alongside his wife, Kimberly, the actor has built a vibrant, loving family that recently stood by him during his battle with colorectal cancer. From singing on stage to simply sharing snuggles, each child has brought their own unique energy into the Van Der Beek household, creating a life far richer than any script.
The family recently experienced a poignant full-circle moment. In late September 2025, James had to miss a special Dawson’s Creek reunion due to his health, but his wife and kids proudly attended in his place. In a heartwarming show of support, two of his daughters even took to the stage to sing the show’s famous theme song, demonstrating the tight-knit bond this family shares. Get ready to meet Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah—the six individuals who call this actor “Dad.”
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Meet the Van Der Beek Kids
The Van Der Beek family begins with Olivia, the eldest, who was born in September 2010 and recently turned 15. Olivia made her television debut alongside her father in 2024 on the show We Are Family, where they performed a beautiful duet of “I Hope You Dance.” James Van Der Beek often speaks of her with immense pride, recently sharing a video of her confident performance at the Dawson’s Creek reunion and marveling at the fact that she is now the same age his character was in the pilot. He has described her as coming out “parent-proof,” full of confidence and capability.
Next in line is Joshua, the family’s first son, born in March 2012. Now a young man, Joshua has been described by his father as having profound “depth and wisdom.” James credits his son with teaching him about the kind of man he wants to be, cherishing their adventures together, and Joshua’s unique sense of humor. The third child, Annabel, joined the family in January 2014. James often highlights her incredibly soft and empathetic heart, referring to her as one of the sweetest souls he knows. Her sensitive nature has been a special support to him during his illness.
The fourth child, Emilia, was born in March 2016 and is considered an “old soul” by her dad. James has joked that while he considers all his children his teachers, Emilia is an “authority.” He admires her nurturing spirit, whether she’s helping to usher everyone out the door on time or offering her thoughtful opinions. The couple’s youngest daughter, Gwendolyn, arrived in June 2018 and is known for her vibrant mix of sweetness and sass. Her father believes she might be a “low-key genius” with a talent for bringing rooms of adults to genuine laughter and for her caring way with younger kids.
Completing the family is the youngest, Jeremiah, who was born in October 2021 after his parents endured two devastating pregnancy losses. Affectionately called “Remi,” he is described as proof that children enter the world with their own distinct personalities. James has expressed deep gratitude for his youngest son, thanking him for being “the best snuggler on the planet” and for challenging him in new ways.
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A Family Built on Love and Resilience
Kimberly and James Van Der Beek’s journey to a family of eight has been marked by both immense joy and profound heartbreak. The actor has openly shared that only their first child was actually planned, leading him to joke, “The one thing we really sucked at was not getting pregnant.” This journey included multiple miscarriages, which ultimately led James to have a vasectomy after Jeremiah’s birth, solidifying their family as complete.
In 2020, the family made a significant move from Los Angeles to Texas, seeking more space for their kids to roam and a change of pace. This decision proved fortuitous, as their Texas home became a sanctuary when James was diagnosed with Stage 3 colorectal cancer in 2023. Throughout his treatment, his wife and children have been his steadfast support system. The image of his family standing on stage without him at the recent reunion, radiating love and strength, perfectly captures the spirit of the Van Der Beek clan—a family that, through all of life’s surprises, always shows up for each other.
