Uncovering the Layers of James Van Der Beek's Life
Career and Dawson's Creek
When it comes to his career, James Van Der Beek is widely recognized for his role in Dawson's Creek. However, he has a unique stance when it comes to his children watching the beloved teen drama series. "I do not let my kids watch Dawson's Creek. It's a great show, and I love it, but I don't think my kids need to see their dad pretend to go through puberty. That's my decision," he stated firmly. He also acknowledged the show's massive success and the good intentions behind it. "It was a very well-intentioned show, with people really trying to do the right thing and speaking eloquently about it. That seed of good intentions comes through," he added.Dawson's Creek was a significant part of James Van Der Beek's career, but he values his family and wants to protect his children from certain aspects of it. This shows his dedication as a father and his awareness of the influence media can have on young minds.
Despite not allowing his kids to watch the show, he still holds it in high regard and understands its impact. It's a delicate balance he has to strike between his career and his family life.
Family Life with Six Children
James Van Der Beek shares six children with his wife Kimberly. Their family includes Olivia, 14, Joshua, 12, Annabel, 10, Emilia, 8, Gwen, 6, and Jeremiah, 3. The couple met in 2009 and got married in 2010, welcoming their first child that same year.It was a surprise when they found themselves with six children. "It just happened. We had one planned child. One! Out of six. One was 100% on purpose. The one thing we really sucked at was not getting pregnant. But thank God, because it's such a struggle for people, and we really don't take it for granted. We just got lucky," he shared with PEOPLE.
Family life is filled with both joys and challenges, and James and Kimberly are navigating through it together. Their children bring so much happiness to their lives, and they are grateful for every moment.
Dealing with Miscarriages and Cancer
Several years before being diagnosed with cancer, James Van Der Beek got a vasectomy. Along with his wife Kimberly, they have suffered five miscarriages. "Two of them were late-term, near-death experiences," she told PEOPLE. "We've weathered a lot of storms together."Despite the hardships they have faced, Kimberly said they are continuing to live a happy life. "This has been a really difficult year, but there's been this underlying way that we savor life differently. It feels like we understand what real true presence is, what savoring life feels like, finding the beauty in all of it," she explained.
Dealing with cancer and miscarriages is a tough journey, but their strength and resilience shine through. They are determined to make the most of every day and cherish the moments they have together.
Funny Moments with Children
In 2022, a funny moment occurred when James' daughter Olivia found him on the internet. "For some online learning, we got them iPads and they immediately discovered memes. So it started, my eldest sent me a meme of myself," he told PEOPLE. Jokingly sending back "one of me dancing or something," Olivia then responded with an image of his famous crying face from Dawson's Creek. "She immediately hit me with the cry face. I thought, 'That's aggressive,'" he laughed.These moments with his children show a different side of James Van Der Beek, one that is filled with humor and connection. It's these little interactions that make family life so special.
Even in the midst of serious life events, he can find joy in the simple things like these funny exchanges with his kids. It's a reminder of the importance of family and the memories they create together.