- - James Van Der Beek’s “DWTS” Partner Emma Slater Remembers Late Actor as a ‘Big Brother’: ‘Forever in My Heart’

Kimberlee SpeakmanFebruary 12, 2026 at 5:33 AM

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Emma Slater and James Van Der Beek, November 2019

VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty

Dancing with the Stars star Emma Slater has shared a heartfelt tribute to her former partner, James Van Der Beek

She posted on Instagram that she formed the "deepest of friendships" with the actor while they were together on the show and that his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, and their six kids became like "family" to her

Kimberly announced the Dawson's Creek star's death at the age of 48 on Instagram on Wednesday, Feb. 11

Dancing with the Stars star Emma Slater is paying tribute to her late dancing partner James Van Der Beek.

The 37-year-old professional dancer, who was paired with Van Der Beek in 2019 for Season 28 of the hit dancing show, shared a heartfelt tribute to the Dawson’s Creek star on Instagram following the news of his death at the age of 48 on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

“My partner. My big brother. Over the many photos we’ve taken over the years, this one is still my favorite. Dancing and laughing. It’s what we do,” Slater captioned a photo of herself and Van Der Beek in bright, colorful outfits after dancing the Paso Doble.

“Nothing I can write seems ok. All those who had the pleasure of having you in their lives are blessed. Forever changed by your brilliance,” she continued. “We got to have these beautiful years sharing life together. It started with being dance partners and I was beyond excited to be dancing with you, and it continued into the deepest of friendships.”

James Van Der Beek; Emma Slater, November 2019

Paul Archuleta/Getty

The dancer went on to share that the actor, his wife, Kimberly Van Der Beek, 44, and their six kids became like “family” to her. She also noted that witnessing Van Der Beek's love for his family “changed" her life.

“I’m so grateful for you and all you have done for me. Your kindness, patience and empathy for others is unmatched,” she wrote. “Your wise advice. I will always marvel at the ability you had to master everything. Your school boy laugh I will never forget."

Slater also indicated that she'd seen Van Der Beek in his final days, writing, "I’m so grateful that I got to see you on Sunday, to talk to you and to tell you for the millionth time how much I love you. We laughed together. And I promised I would feel your presence always, as I already have. Thank you ❤️.”

The dancer concluded her tribute by writing, “I’m lucky to have known the man that you are. You have done so much, helped so many people. You’ll be forever in my heart. And now I know whenever I’m guided, I’ll be guided by you 🤍 I love you partner."

Slater wasn’t the only DWTS star to pay tribute to Van Der Beek. Alfonso Ribeiro, who hosts the reality show competition, shared that he was “so broken right now" following the news of his death. Ribeiro also revealed that he is the godfather of the actor's daughter, Gwendolyn, and would continue to try to be a good role model for her.

"I will always hold my role as Gwen’s Goddie daddy as one of the most important roles of my life," said Ribeiro, referring the 7-year-old. "I love you James and know I have a guardian angel watching over me. Being able to say goodbye this weekend will always live with me. RIP my brother. RIP," he added,

EMMA SLATER, JAMES VAN DER BEEK compete on the ninth week of the 2019 season of "Dancing with the Stars,

Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty

Meanwhile, choreographer Derek Hough wrote, “My heart is heavy hearing about James’ passing… What a wise, thoughtful, loving man. Thank you, James, for your courage, your strength, and for sharing your light even in your darkest moments.”

Kimberly announced the news of her husband's death on Instagram on Feb. 11, writing, "Our beloved James David Van Der Beek passed peacefully this morning."

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"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,” she continued. “Those days will come. For now we ask for peaceful privacy as we grieve our loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend."

The actor was first diagnosed with colorectal cancer in August 2023, sharing the news exclusively with PEOPLE in November 2024.

“I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family," he shared at the time.

on People

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”