James Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly pays a heartfelt tribute to Eric Dane: ‘Will miss our guys laughing’

James Van Der Beek’s wife Kimberly has paid a heartfelt tribute to Eric Dane, the Grey’s Anatomy actor who died eight days after Kimberly’s husband James who found fame in Dawson’s Creek.

Taking to Instagram Stories, Kimberly shared a picture of James and Kimberly with Eric and his wife Rebecca Gayheart at a gala in 2013. She wrote: “RIP @realericdane. We love you @rebeccagayheartdane. Will miss our guys laughing at Christmas parties together.”

Eric died on Thursday, February 19, at the age of 53, 10 months after announcing he had been diagnosed with ALS. James died on February 11, 2026 at the age of 48 after a battle with colorectal cancer.

James and Eric both came up during the peak of millennial TV, and their families were close, often seen supporting the annual Chrysalis Butterfly Ball which helps “individuals navigate obstacles on their path to meaningful employment”.

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James starred as the titular on the teen drama Dawson’s Creek between 1998 and 2004, while Eric became a fan favorite on the supernatural drama Charmed in 2003 before starring as  Dr. Mark Sloan aka McSteamy in ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy. 

Originally only planned to appear in one episode, McSteamy proved so popular that he remained on the show for another seven years.

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James’ passing was confirmed in a statement from his family, which read: “Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning. He met his final days with courage, faith, and grace. There is much to share regarding his wishes, love for humanity and the sacredness of time. Those days will come.”

“For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend,” it concluded, with fans and friends flooding the comments section with condolences for the family.

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Eric’s reps told HELLO! in a statement: “With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS.” 

“He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”

“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the statement continued.

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Family friends for both James and Eric have set up GoFundMe’s to support their families.

Following Eric’s death, his friends launched the page with a target of $250,000 “to support his girls and their future needs.” It added: “Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”

Sam Levinson, the creator of HBO’s Euphoria, which Eric starred in, and his wife Ashley donated $27,000.

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James’ friends revealed that the family’s financial situation had been significantly impacted by paying for James’ medical care, and that now the family are “working hard to stay in their home” and “maintain some stability”. 

“In the wake of this loss, Kimberly and the children are facing an uncertain future. The costs of James’s medical care and the extended fight against cancer have left the family out of funds. They are working hard to stay in their home and to ensure the children can continue their education and maintain some stability during this incredibly difficult time,” the project read.

The family were initially hoping to raise $500,000, but donations far exceeded the amount with director Steven Spielberg and his wife Kate Capshaw