James Van Der Beek is more than just the beloved actor from Dawson’s Creek — he’s also a devoted family man and proud father of six. Together with his wife, Kimberly, he’s raising a big, joyful family, filled with unique personalities and heartwarming moments. From adventures in parenthood to homeschooling on their Texas ranch, the Van Der Beek family keeps things lively and close-knit.
In November 2024, James publicly shared his diagnosis of colorectal cancer, marking a challenging chapter for the family. Leaning on his children and Kimberly for support, he has maintained a positive outlook, telling PEOPLE that he feels optimistic about his treatment plan. “There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he shared.
How many children does James Van Der Beek have?
James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, are proud parents of six children. Their family includes daughters Olivia, Annabel, Emilia, and Gwendolyn, and sons Joshua and Jeremiah. The couple have embraced the chaos and joy of raising a big family. Each of their children brings their unique personality, as James has often shared in interviews. They have also spoken candidly about the challenges, like having less time alone as a couple and managing busy schedules, but wouldn’t trade it for anything.
The actor has embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly, finding it transformative in unexpected ways. “Fatherhood changes you from the inside out, he told PEOPLE. Despite the demanding nature of raising six kids, James and Kimberly have found joy and purpose in parenthood, describing the experience as one of the greatest adventures of their lives.
Here’s everything you need to know about James Van Der Beek’s family.
Who Are James Van Der Beek’s Children?
Here’s a look at each of James Van Der Beek’s children and the special moments that define their close-knit family:
Olivia Van Der Beek, 14
Born on September 25, 2010, Olivia is the eldest of the Van Der Beek children. Her name carries sentimental value as it was inspired by an olive tree in Israel, where James and Kimberly first met. Olivia made her TV debut in early 2024 alongside her dad on We Are Family, where they performed LeAnne Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.” James has shared his pride in Olivia’s courage to sing on stage, describing it as a memorable father-daughter moment.
“I continue to be in awe of the grace with which you teach us how to parent,” James wrote to his firstborn in a birthday post. “You’ve always been wise beyond your years… but as those years advance deeper into teenage-dom and we all adjust to the changes, I want to commend you for the bravery with which you separate from us and call in your own experiences… and tell you how much we appreciate the sincerity and sweetness with which you re-engage with the family.”
Joshua Van Der Beek, 12
Joshua, born on March 13, 2012, arrived at home as the sun rose, welcomed by his father, James, in a peaceful home birth. As a fan of Spider-Man and the Green Bay Packers, Joshua shares a special bond with his dad, even attending a game at Lambeau Field together in 2022. According to James, Joshua’s keen awareness of his father’s fame has grown, humorously recognising when people notice his dad.
“You make me laugh, you make me think, you make me a better person,” James said of Joshual. “Wise beyond your years and yet an eternally playful spirit… You are kind, fair, thoughtful, and your take on the world always adds a new dimension I never would have recognized on my own.”
Annabel Leah Van Der Beek, 10
Annabel, born on January 25, 2014, brought a refreshing sense of calm to the family. She’s known for her adventurous spirit, once choosing a daring undercut hairstyle at age five. Her parents often praise her sense of fun and individuality.
For her tenth birthday in January 2024, James expressed his gratitude for her sincere and caring nature. “The second we got to meet you, I knew we were in for an adventure,” he shared. “And while you clearly know fun… it’s the purity of your heart at which I marvel. Your sincerity, your kindness, and the depth with which you care is so reliable, it sets the bar for the whole family.”
Emilia Van Der Beek, 8
Emilia, born on March 23, 2016, also joined the family in a home birth. Her sunny personality shines through James’ social media posts, where he celebrates her resilience and determination. She is a gentle yet spirited presence in the family, with James acknowledging her “old soul” in a birthday post shared in March 2024.
“I’d love to think your innate wisdom, inner strength, and sense of humour comes from me,” he added, “but I believe you channel your magic from deep in the heart of all that is good in the universe.”
Gwendolyn Van Der Beek, 6
Gwendolyn arrived on June 15, 2018, and has been a joyful addition to the family ever since. Her father shares glimpses of her fun personality on social media – like the time she gave him a pink manicure.
“In a family of big personalities, you are the biggest,” James wrote on Gwendolyn’s sixth birthday. “Whether you’re making astute observations about the world, talking smack, or just playing to see what kind of reaction you get… moments with you are never, ever dull – they are treasured. And at the core of all that sauciness… is the most tender, gentle, loving heart. You melt me on the daily. I don’t know how you are real, but boy am I grateful you are.”
Jeremiah Van Der Beek, 3
The youngest member of the Van Der Beek family, Jeremiah, or “Remi,” was born at their Texas ranch in October 2021. After experiencing multiple pregnancy losses, James and Kimberly described Remi’s arrival as a blessing that filled the family with love and healing.
“Thank you for barging your way into our lives,” James wrote in a recent birthday post for his youngest. “Thank you for all the unique ways in which you challenge me (quite the feat after five kids 😳), and thank you for being the best snuggler on the planet.”
