Who Are James Van Der Beek Wife And 6 Kids? Here Is What To Know

• James Van Der Beek has been married to Kimberly Brook since 2010 after a whirlwind romance that began in Israel.
• The couple are parents to six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.
• The Van Der Beeks have been open about their family’s challenges, including five miscarriages and James’s ongoing battle with colorectal cancer.

In the face of his stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis, actor James Van Der Beek is leaning on the unwavering support of his wife and their six children, a family whose deep bonds have been forged through both public joy and private hardship.

Who Makes Up James Van Der Beek’s Family?

James Van Der Beek’s family is his greatest source of strength. He has been married to his wife, Kimberly Brook, since 2010, and together they are parents to six children: Olivia, Joshua, Annabel, Emilia, Gwendolyn, and Jeremiah.

The family, who moved from Los Angeles to Texas in 2020 for a fresh start and more space, recently demonstrated their solidarity when Kimberly and the kids attended a Dawson’s Creek charity reunion in James’s absence, showing the world the powerful unit that stands behind him.

A Love Story Forged in Israel

The couple’s journey began in 2010 on a trip to Israel, shortly after James’s divorce from his first wife. James was mid-conversation with a friend, explaining his desire to find a soulmate, when Kimberly interrupted them. He was initially annoyed, but soon realized she was the person he had been searching for.

Their relationship moved quickly; they were living together within six months and married on August 1, 2010, in Tel Aviv. Reflecting on their enduring bond, James once told Good Morning America, “She’s really taught me what unconditional love is”.

Meet the Van Der Beek Children

The Van Der Beek children range in age from teenagers to a toddler, each with their own distinct personality.

• Olivia, 15, was born in 2010 and recently showcased her singing talent at the Dawson’s Creek reunion. James marked her 15th birthday by noting the full-circle moment: she is now the same age his character Dawson was in the pilot.
• Joshua, 13, is the family’s first son. His father has described him as a young man with “depth and wisdom” who has taught him “about the kind of man I want to be”.
• Annabel, 11, shares a January birthday with her grandfather. James has called her “the softest, most empathetic heart I know”.
• Emilia, 9, is considered an “old soul” by her father, who says he listens to her as an “authority”.
• Gwendolyn, 7, is known for her sweetness and sass. James has said her caring nature toward younger children “is enough to restore anyone’s faith in humanity”.
• Jeremiah, 3, was a surprise blessing after multiple pregnancy losses. James has called him “proof that kids come into this world with their own thing”.

A Family’s Public Support During Health Crisis

James’s cancer diagnosis has been a public challenge for the tight-knit family. His wife, Kimberly, has been his rock, with James publicly praising her on their 15th wedding anniversary: “You have not only saved my life… you’ve shown me what it is to live”. Their children have also shown immense support.

In a powerful display, Kimberly and all six kids attended the recent Dawson’s Creek reunion on his behalf, where Olivia and Emilia performed the show’s theme song. Kimberly called the event “healing to the core,” a testament to how the family collectively shows up for him.

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Last Updated on September 29, 2025 by 247 News Around The World