Derek Hough, judge on Dancing with the Stars, is mourning the loss of James Van Der Beek. Following the news of the Dawson’s Creek star’s passing, Hough took to Instagram to share a touching tribute in the form of a video he found moving.
In the video, Van Der Beek discusses his evolution from defining himself as an actor to a husband, then a father, and how those definitions were stripped away as he battled cancer. Hough expressed admiration for Van Der Beek, calling him a wise, thoughtful, and loving man, thanking him for his courage and strength even in his darkest moments.
While it is unclear if the two knew each other personally, Hough may have been struck by Van Der Beek’s words as he recently became a father himself. Their paths did cross when Van Der Beek competed on Dancing with the Stars in Season 28, partnering with Emma Slater and finishing in fifth place.
Slater, still a pro on the show, also paid tribute to her late partner on Instagram, expressing devastation and stating that Van Der Beek will always be family to her. Other Dancing with the Stars pros left comments honoring the actor, describing him as incredible and sending love to his family.
In the wake of James Van Der Beek’s passing, the dance community reflects on the impact he had both on and off the dance floor. His words of wisdom and resilience continue to inspire, reminding us of the importance of courage and strength in the face of adversity.
Peace Nero is a writer and blogger who loves to explore different topics of self-development. She shares her personal experiences in order to help people discover their true purpose in life.