Alfonso Ribeiro just revealed the depth of his friendship with James Van Der Beek—and it goes far beyond Hollywood.
The Dancing with the Stars host disclosed Wednesday that he serves as godfather to Van Der Beek’s 7-year-old daughter Gwendolyn, a role he calls “one of the most important of my life”. The revelation came in an emotional Instagram tribute following Van Der Beek’s death from colorectal cancer at age 48 on February 11.
“I will always be there for their children,” Ribeiro, 54, pledged publicly. He signed off his tribute calling Van Der Beek “my brother” and promised: “I know I have a guardian angel watching over me”.
The Cancer Battle Timeline
Van Der Beek privately fought stage 3 colorectal cancer after his 2023 diagnosis, only revealing it publicly in November 2024. Ribeiro stayed by his side throughout the “horrible journey,” witnessing the emotional rollercoaster of remission hopes and relapse devastation.
“I stood by him throughout this dreadful journey in his fight against cancer,” Ribeiro wrote. “His family and friends experienced this emotional rollercoaster, from the highs when it seemed he had triumphed to the devastating lows of his relapse”.
The Van Der Beek Family
- Wife: Kimberly Van Der Beek
- Six children: Olivia (15), Joshua (13), Annabel (12), Emilia (9½), Gwendolyn (7), Jeremiah (4)
- Ribeiro’s final visit: February 8-9, 2026 (weekend before death)
- Final photo: Taken by Kimberly moments before Ribeiro’s goodbye
Why It Matters
Godparent relationships in Hollywood often remain ceremonial, but Ribeiro’s public commitment to Gwendolyn signals genuine family bonds transcending fame. His vow to “always be there” for all six Van Der Beek children provides reassurance during their darkest hour. The disclosure also reveals how Van Der Beek prioritized building a support network for his family while battling cancer—a decision that will now shape his children’s lives. Friends have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Kimberly and the kids financially.
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