At a Glance
- James Van Der Beek and wife Kimberly have six children ranging from 2 to 15 years old.
- Their eldest, Olivia, was born September 25, 2010 in Los Angeles.
- In November 2024, James publicly revealed his colorectal cancer diagnosis and emphasized family support.
Why it matters: The actor’s openness about parenting a large family and confronting a serious health challenge offers a rare glimpse into balancing fame, family life, and personal health.
James Van Der Beek is a well-known actor who has been sharing the ups and downs of raising a large family for years. He and his wife Kimberly, who met in July 2009 in Israel, welcomed their first child in August 2010 and have since had five more children. In November 2024, he announced his colorectal cancer diagnosis and highlighted the support he has received from his family.
A Big Family: The Van Der Beek Children
James and Kimberly have six children, each with a unique story:
| Child | Age | Birth Date | Birthplace | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olivia | 15 | September 25, 2010 | Los Angeles | Only hospital birth; named after an olive tree in Israel |
| Joshua | 13 | March 13, 2012 | Home | Breech birth; home delivery at 7:42 a.m. |
| Annabel | 12 | January 25, 2014 | Home | Named after birth; easiest baby according to dad |
| Emilia | 9 | March 23, 2016 | Home | Emergency room visit at age 4; Instagram debut in 2017 |
| Gwendolyn | 6 | June 15, 2018 | Home | First child born with a midwife; pink manicure photo |
| Jeremiah | 2 | October 2021 | Texas ranch | Birth followed a quiet announcement; family’s sixth child |
The family’s birth stories often involve home deliveries, except for Olivia’s hospital birth. James frequently shares their adventures on social media, celebrating milestones such as Olivia’s TV debut on We Are Family in February 2024.
Fatherhood and Life Lessons
James has spoken about the profound changes fatherhood brings:
> “I think fatherhood changes you from the inside out,” he told News Of Los Angeles in 2013, noting the trade-off of less free time.
Kimberly echoed that sentiment in 2019:
> “Now, date nights are on the couch ordering in and snuggling up,” she said to News Of Los Angeles.
He also reflects on the growth that comes with each child:
> “We have watched our lives change with each kid… the added love brought into the house lights everybody up in a way that is kind of undeniable,” James told News Of Los Angeles.
James’s parenting style is rooted in honesty. In 2020, he explained:
> “My philosophy has always been to be completely honest,” he told News Of Los Angeles.
The family’s dynamic has evolved as the children age. Olivia, now 15, has embraced her dad’s fame, even participating in meme exchanges and a game show appearance. Joshua, 13, enjoys superhero themes and follows the Green Bay Packers, often attending games with his dad.
Health and Support
In November 2024, James disclosed his colorectal cancer diagnosis. He emphasized the importance of family support:
> “I’ve been privately dealing with this diagnosis and have been taking steps to resolve it, with the support of my incredible family… There’s reason for optimism, and I’m feeling good,” he told News Of Los Angeles.
The diagnosis came after James had already shared his personal health journey publicly. He remains optimistic, citing his family’s unwavering support as a source of strength.
Moving and Lifestyle
The Van Der Beek family relocated from Los Angeles to Texas in September 2020. James explained their motivation:
> “We wanted to get the kids out of Los Angeles. We wanted to give them space and we wanted them to live in nature,” he said to Austin Lifestyle.
Kimberly added that the move was also a healing decision after experiencing two late-term miscarriages.
Since the move, the family has celebrated milestones together, such as Gwendolyn’s fourth birthday with a tea party and a piñata. In February 2023, they shared a glimpse of traveling with eight children, emphasizing the chaos and love that defines their lives.
Key Takeaways
- James Van Der Beek balances a high-profile career with parenting six children, sharing candid insights about fatherhood.
- The family’s birth stories are diverse, with a mix of home and hospital deliveries.
- In November 2024, James publicly addressed his colorectal cancer diagnosis, highlighting family support.
- Relocating to Texas was driven by a desire for nature and space for the children.
- The Van Der Beeks demonstrate that large families can thrive with honesty, love, and resilience.
