In one of the most emotional celebrity posts we’ve seen this year, Alfonso Ribeiro took to Instagram with an intimate look at the last moments he shared with his close friend James Van Der Beek. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star’s tribute is candid, deeply felt, and has sparked widespread reaction online as fans learn more about what the Dawson’s Creek actor meant to him.
James Van Der Beek died on February 11, 2026, after a long battle with stage 3 colorectal cancer. Ribeiro’s post the following day gave followers a glimpse into both his grief and the strength of their friendship.
Alfonso Ribeiro’s Emotional Instagram Post About James Van Der Beek
When news broke of James Van Der Beek’s passing at age 48, many friends and colleagues shared their tributes. Among the most heartfelt came from Alfonso Ribeiro, who posted a photo of the two of them together just minutes before their final goodbye.
In the image — taken by Van Der Beek’s wife, Kimberly — Ribeiro is shown in a tender moment with his friend as they pressed foreheads, sharing one last laugh. In his caption, Ribeiro wrote that the last thing he did was make Van Der Beek laugh, something he says he’ll “really miss already.”
He described Van Der Beek not just as a friend, but as a “true friend, brother, and life guide,” reflecting on the profound influence the late actor and his wife had on his own life.
The post has resonated with many because it’s so honest: Ribeiro openly admits that he is “so broken” by the loss, but also grateful for the time they had together.
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What Ribeiro Revealed About His Bond With Van Der Beek
Beyond the emotional photo, Alfonso Ribeiro shared another deeply personal detail in his tribute — that he is the godfather to James Van Der Beek’s daughter, Gwendolyn.
He wrote that his role as her “Gwendolyn’s Goddie daddy” is “one of the most important roles of my life,” underscoring just how close their families were.
Ribeiro also vowed to support all six of Van Der Beek’s children and his wife through the difficult period ahead, showing that his friendship extended far beyond shared screen time or celebrity circles.
Van Der Beek’s death has brought out a wave of tributes from friends and co-stars; the outpouring of love is a reminder of the impact he had not only professionally but personally with those who knew him best.
Why This Post Matters
What sets Alfonso Ribeiro’s social media message apart from a typical celebrity caption is its raw vulnerability. He didn’t just honor his friend — he invited the public into a moment of human connection that many people can relate to: saying goodbye to a loved one.
In the era of curated celebrity feeds, his decision to share such a personal photo and heartfelt words cuts through the noise, prompting an outpouring of empathy from fans and peers alike. With the added revelation of his role in Van Der Beek’s family life, the tribute gives depth to their bond and paints a fuller picture of what real friendship meant to him.
